Divided by a common language : a guide to British and American English

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Divided by a Common Language

~\

G U I D E

B R I T I S H A M E R I C A N

TO

A N D E N G L I S H

Christopher Da vies

Divided by a Common Language offers a detailed comparison of the language and customs of the US and the UK. Author Christopher Davies also discusses all the important differences between the two countries in the practical details of daily life, and American readers in particular will enjoy his an Englishman's eyes. Chivies lops it off with nusing list of expressions thai sound innocent enough in one country but make quite the opposite impression in the other. The distinctive words of Austra New Zealand, .nul South Africa are explained in separate sections devoted to the many varieties of English spoken around the globe. Americans who enjoy contemporary British novels, movies, and television, .is well Britons who are interested in American culture, won't want to be without this handy guide to life on the other s i '

CHRISTOPHER

D A V I E S was born and

raised in England and spent several years living in Australia and New Zealand. Since 1980, he has made his home in Florida, where he works in the field of information technology. The many unfamiliar expressions and pronunciations that he has encountered in American English led him to write Divided by a Common Language.

Ilui CHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 222 Berkelej Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02 I Id wwwJtmtfihummifflinlitHilis.com

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Divided by a Common Language A GUIDE TO BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH

Christopher Davies

Houghton Mifflin Company Boston • New York

Copyright © 2005 by Christopher Davies. All rights reserved. An earlier version of this book was published by Mayflower Press, 1997. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission of Houghton Mifflin Company unless such copying is expressly permitted by federal copyright law. Address inquiries to Reference Permissions, Houghton Mifflin Company, 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Visit our website:

www.houghtonmijfflincompany.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Davies, Christopher, 1953— Divided by a common language : a guide to British and American English / Christopher Davies. p. cm. An earlier version of this book was published as Divided by a common language by Mayflower Press in 1997. Includes index. iSBN-13: 978-0-618-00275-7 ISBN-IO: 0-618-00275-8

1. English language—Great Britain—Glossaries, vocabularies, etc. 2. English language—United States—Glossaries, vocabularies, etc. 3. English language—Variation—Great Britain—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 4. English language—Variation—United States—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 5. English language—Great Britain—Handbooks, manuals, etc. 6. English language—United States—Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title. PE1704.D38 2005 427—dc22 2005005497

Manufactured in the United States of America Book design by Catherine Hawkes, Cat & Mouse QUM 10

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Table of Contents

Foreword Acknowledgments Guide to Pronunciation and Other Symbols Used

v v vi

1 How Did British and American English Become So Different? Some Answers i • The Industrial Revolution 3 • Countries that Enriched the American Language 4 • Pronouncing British Place Names 7

i

2 Tips for the Tourist At the Airport 8 • At the Hotel 8

8

3 Practical Information Automobiles 10 • Gasoline (Petrol) 11 • Telephones 12 4 For the Technically Minded Plumbing 15 • Electricity 16

10

15

5 Institutions and Services The Postal System 18 • Banking 20 • The Currency 21 • Restaurants 23 • Bars 30 • Shopping 31 • Pronunciation of Food Names 33 • Some Different Cooking Measurements 34 • Groceries Known by Different Names 34 • Clothing and Shoes Known by Different Names 38 • Schools 40 • Health Care 43 • The Political Systems 44 • Museums 46 • The Theatre 46

18

6 Differences in Customs and Etiquette

48

7 Transportation

54

8 Pronunciation and Grammar

73

9 Spelling

84

DIVIDED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE

10 Sundry Terms Some Different Furnishing Terms 95 • Some Different Terms for Tools 96 • Some Different Medical Terms 97 • Carnival (Funfair) Terms 99 • Some Different Gardening Terms 100

95

11 What Not to Say

101

12 Idioms and Expressions

108

13 Notes on Symbols and Abbreviations

131

14 Miscellaneous Information

134

15 UK-US Lexicon

\yj

16 US-UKLexicon

178

17 Explanations 18 Other Varieties of English Canada 228 • Australia 230 • New Zealand 234 • South Africa 235

220 228

19 Cockney Rhyming Slang

237

Afterword Index

240 243

Foreword Since my first trip to the United States in 1979, I have been struck by the magnitude of the differences between British and American speech. Some experts estimate that there are roughly 4,000 words in everyday speech that are used differently. One might assume that Australia and New Zealand, for example, might have equally big differences in language and culture from their mother country, but not so. I found the differences in these two countries to be quite superficial in comparison with those of the United States. Of course slang expressions are quite different, but spelling and word usage are much the same. In fact recently, with Australian television shows being broadcast in Britain, some Australian slang is finding its way back home. By contrast, Canada, with its major cities all within a few hours' drive of the us border, has only a vestige of its British speech remaining in the English-speaking sections (though it still uses mostly British spelling), and to most outsiders Canada seems thoroughly American. The aim of this book is to give Americans and Britons a better understanding of each other's variation of the English language.

Acknowledgments The author gratefully acknowledges the help and advice received from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and from family and the many friends and acquaintances whose patience made this book possible.

Guide to Pronunciation and Other Symbols Used Pronunciations given for words appear in square brackets throughout this book. The pronunciations offered here attempt to stay as close to the spelling as possible, but it is necessary to use some special symbols in some cases to specify the pronunciation clearly. The following special symbols and letter combinations are used throughout the book.

SYMBOLS

EXAMPLES

a

hat [hat]

à or ay

hate [hâte], trait [trayt]

ah

father [fah-ther]

3

sofa [so-fa]

ë ee ore

bed [bed] bead [beed] or [bed]

l

bit [bit]

ï

bite [bit]

ô ô or oh

cot [kôt] (in British pronunciations— most Americans say pot [paht]) coat [kôt], adobe [a-doh-bee]

oo û zh

cool [kool] cook [kûk] vision [vï-zhan]

A raised dot [•] is used to separate syllables in a word, as for example in tomato, pronounced [to-mâ-toh] or [to-mah-toh]. The accented (stressed) syllable in words of more than one syllable is put in boldface type. Labels identify regionalisms and slang words (words used regularly only in a region within a country, such as the South in the US or Queensland in Australia). For example, an entry such as rotary (regional New England) means that in New England the

GUIDE TO PRONUNCIATION

AND OTHER SYMBOLS USED

word rotary is used instead of traffic circle (or roundabout in the UK). In words lists comparing the vocabulary of two different varieties of English, words are listed in columns according to country. The addition plus sign (+) following a word indicates that the word or pronunciation is typical of the country represented by the column in which it appears, but it is also used and understood in the countries represented in the other column. When a plus sign (+) is found in both columns for a particular pair of words, it indicates that both terms are known in both countries, but that word given in the column is more common in the country described by that column. The asterisk (*) indicates that a word is discussed in Chapter 17, Explanations, on pages 220—227.

England and America are two countries divided by a common language. attributed to GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Vlll

Did British and American English Become So Different? A British reader looking at a newspaper or magazine from Australia or South Africa would not find too many unfamiliar words. Not so with American English. Words such as caboose, bleachers, and busboy are everyday words in the US, but they would perplex the average speaker of British English. On the other hand, there are words used in British English that an American might find a little strange: mailshot, crosspatch, and gymkhana. (These words can all be found in the US-UK and UK-US lexicons in this book.) Most English-speaking people are unaware of the vast differences between British and American English. This book is designed to enlighten the reader about these differences and briefly explain how these differences came about. SOME ANSWERS Why, when we have global communication on the Internet and we are all watching the same television shows, do we still have difficulty understanding one another? An estimated 4,000 words in everyday use in Britain have a different meaning or are used differently in the US. Let's go back in time to find some answers.


The early settlers in the US had no verbal contact with the folk they left behind in England, and the division of the language began. Over the years many Europeans settled in the US, bringing their languages with them. English remained the dominant language in America, although German was widely spoken in the 1800s. There were numerous French colonies, and New York was originally a Dutch settlement, called New Amsterdam. Each language left its mark on spoken English, with mainly the written word standardizing speech. Until the 1900s many books were imported from England, which did keep American English from straying too far. Noah Webster, the well-known American lexicographer, forecast back in 1789 that eventually American English would be as different from British English as Dutch, Danish, and Swedish are from German, or from one another. This may sound preposterous, but Webster himself did initiate some of the biggest changes in American spelling. His American Dictionary of the English Language became the standard for spelling and word usage in America. Webster, in his best-selling American Speller published in 1783, suggested giving every letter in a syllable its due proportion of sound. Attitudes such as this may be responsible for some of the many pronunciation differences between American and British English. Other differences result from the fact that all languages change over time, and since the separation of the two varieties, American English has not changed in the same way as British English has changed. One example of a consistent pronunciation difference between British and American English can be heard in words ending with — ary, —ory, and —ery. In British English, the first vowel in the ending is not pronounced, as in the word secretary, usually four syllables in the US but often just three in the UK (that is, secretary is pronounced something like secret'ry). British and American English probably reached their greatest divergence just before the Second World War and since that time have been getting closer, or at least better understood by the other country.

HOW DID BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH BECOME SO DIFFERENT?

Here are some expressions currently used in the us that were once well known in Britain but have long since gone out of use there: son of a gun, I guess, in back of (for behind). Another word no longer used in Britain but still used in the US is gotten, a past participle of the verb to get. In Britain, the usual past participle of to get is got. The only place where a Briton would use gotten is in the expression "Ill-gotten gains." But to the American ear, a sentence beginning "It has got to the point where . . . " sounds grammatically incorrect. Americans would say "It has gotten to the point where . . . " instead. Still more words and phrases that have died out in Britain but are still used in the US are turnpike (for toll road), fall (for autumn), and a deck of cards (for a pack of cards). Conversely the words straight away meaning "immediately" and presently meaning "in a short time" are no longer in common usage in the US, but are often used in British English.

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Then along came the Industrial Revolution, bringing with it a need for many new words such as railroad, windshield, and grade crossing. The US was no longer conforming to the British standard with new words. Britain was already using other words: railway, windscreen, and level crossing. Each country had its own engineers and designers, who gave new creations their particular names. Hundreds of new terms were needed. Of course these words were scarcely in print at the time, so there was no written standard to follow. With the countries so far apart there was really no need for the us to follow British usage. The differences increased as time went on, even though more people were traveling back and forth across the Atlantic by then. Many educated people were aware of the differences in terminology, but no great effort was made to unify the terms. The differences between British and American English gradually increased, until greater communication between the countries in the 1940s

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

turned the tide. A good example of how far apart the languages had become is apparent in the list of railway terms (see page 70). Despite all of the communication going on between Britain and the US today, it is amazing that new words being coined in one country are represented by another word in the other country. Some examples of relatively new American words and usages are pound (for the # symbol, as in "Press the pound key"), beeper (in the UK, a bleeper), and cell phone (in the UK, a mobile phone). Some newer British words that might not be understood by the average American are video (in the us, VCR), flex (in the us, electrical cord), and bumf (in the US, unwanted papers and documents). The United States is a huge country. From the point of view of a Briton, it seems to have a surprisingly uniform speech pattern over a wide area if one considers its size. However, the United States has a diversity of accents and many different varieties of slang, much as Britain does. The lexicons in this book include many words that are particular to specific regions of the United States.

COUNTRIES THAT ENRICHED THE AMERICAN LANGUAGE In order to understand why British English is so different from American English, it is necessary to learn something about the settlement of the United States. English was not the native tongue of many settlers in North America in the Colonial period. After the United States won its independence, immigrants from around the world continued to come to its shores. These immigrants have contributed many of the words that distinguish American English from British English. France Two hundred years ago, French rivaled English as the most widely used international language. There were several French

HOW DID BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH BECOME SO DIFFERENT?

colonies in North America. The largest, and the one that had the most influence on what would later become American English, was in the Mississippi Delta. The state of Louisiana gets its name from the French king Louis XIV. There are several different groups of French speakers in Louisiana. The French-speaking people known as the Cajuns came to Louisiana from Acadia, Nova Scotia. (Somewhere along the way Acadians became known as Cajuns.) Here are some words the French settlers gave the English language: bayou, "a marshy inlet"; gopher, "a kind of burrowing rodent"; and levee, "dike." Here are a few French place names and their American pronunciations: Versailles, in Kentucky Des Moines, in Iowa

St. Louis, in Missouri Pierre, in South Dakota Terre Haute, in Indiana

[ver-sales] [duh-moyn] [saint lewis] [peer] [terra hote]

The Netherlands By the mid-i6oos, the Dutch had a large colony in what is now known as New York (originally New Amsterdam). The names of Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx are all derived from Dutch. The Dutch left a legacy of the following words: caboose, coleslaw, cookie, and waffle. Spain The Spanish conquistadors left a hefty legacy of place names behind. In addition, they left Americans many words that are associated with cowboys these days, such as lasso, mustang, rodeo, and burro. Today the country's growing Latino population is creating what is called Spanglish in certain parts of the US. Some words of Spanish origin that are everyday words in American English are


coyote, "a doglike wild animal" adobe, "a brick of clay and straw" mesa, "a high piece of land"

[kie-oh-tee] [a-doh-bee] [may-sa]

Here are a few Spanish place names and their American pronunciations: Lajolla, in California El Cajon, in California La Quinta, in California St. Augustine, in Florida

[la hoy-a] [el ca-hone] [la-keen-ta] [saint aug-us-teen] Germany

About seven million Germans have settled in the US. Not wishing to forget their country of origin, they have named twelve towns Berlin and seven Germantown. Germans have added a variety of words to American English, such as bum (shortened from bummer, from German Bummler) and the verb to nix. Central European Countries Many Jews from Central Europe settled in New York. Yiddish expressions are widely used in the us, but New York still leads the field in the use of these words. Here are some examples: chutzpah kibitz, to kosher klutz schlep, to schmaltz schmooze schnoz tush

impudence/nerve give unsolicited advice/joke around genuine/legitimate clumsy person trudge/lug exaggerated sentimentalism chat/gossip a large nose backside

HOW DID BRITISH AND AMERICAN

ENGLISH BECOME SO DIFFERENT?

PRONOUNCING BRITISH PLACE NAMES There are some cities and towns in England that are not pronounced phonetically. Here are a few examples: Birmingham Beaulieu Bicester Derby Greenwich Leicester Norwich Warwick Thames (the river)

[birmingum] [beeoolee] [bis-ter] [dar-bee] [gren-ich] [les-ter] [norr-ich] [worrik] [temz]

Tips For The Tourist AT THE AIRPORT Britons visiting the US or Americans visiting the UK will encounter different terms as soon as they step off the airplane (or aeroplane as the British say). • A skycap in the US is an airport porter in the UK. • A baggage cart in the us is called a trolley in the UK. • One hires a car in the UK, and rents one in the US. • It's a taxi rank in the UK, rather than a taxi stand. Did you know that English is the international language of aviation, but terms used in the us are different? If a pilot is requested to circle the airport in the US, he is asked to do a 360-degree. In the rest of the world a pilot is requested to make an orbit.

AT THE HOTEL In the US, the floor of a building level with the ground is known as the first floor; in Britain it is called the ground floor. What is known in the US as the second floor is called the. first floor in Britain; the third floor in the US is called the second floor in

TIPS FOR

THE

TOURIST

Britain; and so forth. An efficiency in the US is a room with a small kitchen as well as a bathroom. The widely-used British hotel term en-suite, meaning "with a private bathroom," is not understood in the us. Duvets, which are found everywhere in Britain, are not at all common in the US. In a British hotel or bed-andbreakfast establishment, you may be offered half board. This is similar to the US term American plan, i.e., breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Motels are not common in England. Traveler's hotels are similar and they often use the word lodge in their name. Many more moderately priced British hotels will have rooms with a shared bathroom, and often no television or telephone in the room. They have a lounge with a television, and often a dining room. Curiously the word accommodation is never used in the plural in British English. In the US you make arrangements for accommodations. Some British hotel terms can cause confusion for Americans: • Reception means front desk. • A receptionist is a desk clerk. • Kflannelis a washcloth. • A cot means a crib. • A communicating door is a connecting door. • Tariffmeans rate. Additionally, in Britain a faucet is called a tap, a twin bed is called a single bed, and a rollaway bed is known as a. fold-up bed. In the US another term for a double bed is a. full-size bed.

-a 3 EPractical Information AUTOMOBILES 77^ British Automobile British rental cars do not usually come with automatic transmission unless you specifically request it. They are small by American standards but many do have air conditioning. All British cars have signal lights called repeaters on the side of the car. They come on when you signal that you are turning and allow the drivers of cars alongside you to be aware of your intentions. Controls on British cars are generally similar to American cars these days, but of course one drives a car sitting on the right. British cars come with a hand brake for parking, never a footoperated parking brake. The American Automobile All rental cars in the US have automatic transmission and air conditioning as standard equipment, and all but the smallest, known as subcompacts, will have power steering and power brakes. Manual transmission is usually available upon request. Compact cars are probably as big as the average British car. Mid-size and full-size cars will seem quite roomy, but the huge cars that were common in the 1970s are a thing of the past. The SUV (sport10

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

utility vehicle) has taken over the task of moving large families from one place to another. Here are some words of advice for British drivers in the us. It is the law in most states to wear a seat belt when sitting in the front seat of an automobile. In some cars you may not be able to shift out of park without first putting your foot on the brake pedal. You will not find a hand brake in larger cars. These will be equipped with a parking brake pedal, located at the upper far left of the driver's left leg. Once engaged, the parking brake will remain set until it is released manually, usually by pulling the lever marked "brake release" located under the dashboard just above the parking brake pedal. In some cars, the parking brake is automatically released when you shift out of park. The parking brake pedal is equivalent to a hand brake, which is found in some smaller cars. Americans often refer to this brake as the emergency brake. The automatic transmission selector or gearshift is situated either on the steering column or on a console between the driver and passenger seats. Often, the key cannot be removed unless the selector is in park.

GASOLINE (PETROL) There are two grades of petrol (gasoline) commonly available in Britain today; premium unleaded is about 95 octane and super unleaded is about 98 octane. Premium unleaded, despite its name, has the lower octane, but it is suitable for most modern cars. Petrol is sold by the litre (liter). All gas in the US is unleaded. It comes in three grades: regular, which is 87 octane; a middle grade of 89 octane, also known as unleaded plus; and premium or super, which may be as high as 94 octane, depending on the brand. Gasoline is still sold by the gallon in the US and is incredibly cheap by European standards. The US gallon is based on a 16-ounce pint, rather than the British 20-ounce pint, and therefore is smaller. A us gallon is just under four liters. Americans sometimes use the colloquial expression to 11

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

gas up a vehicle, meaning to refuel it. Payment can usually be made with a credit card at the pump.

TELEPHONES British Telephones Public telephones in Britain are mainly operated by British Telecom (BT). Local calls are not unlimited for a flat rate as they often are in the us. Some British pay phones will accept a variety of coins, but many require a phone card or charge card. Phone cards are readily available at shops and post offices in varying denominations. They are inserted into a slot on the phone and a display tells you how much value remains on the card. The card is thrown away when its value is zero. If you have a telephone account with British Telecom, you can obtain a BT charge card, which enables you to bill a call to your account from any telephone. Long-distance calls in Britain always start with the number o. Local calls from a private home or business are usually charged by the minute. This naturally cuts down on telephone solicitation. However, evening and week-end rates are low and even free if you sign up with certain companies. A toll-free long-distance number is known as a Freefone or Freephone number, and usually starts with o800, 0-808, or 0-500. The British phones ring with a distinctive double ring. An area code, formerly known as an STD code {subscriber trunk dialling code), is often called a phone code or a dial code. American Telephones A local call from a us pay phone is on average 35 cents for the first three minutes. Usually you pick up the handset, put in the money, and then dial the number. Some independently owned pay phones require you to dial the number first, then deposit the money. There is often no time limit on local calls. The ringing 12

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

tone is distinctive, because American phones do not ring with a double ring as do the British phones. Local calls from a private phone are often free. Long-distance calls always start with the digit i. Just because a number happens to be in the same area code as the one you are calling from doesn't mean that it is a local call. You may well have to dial i followed by the same area code and then the number you want, in order to reach that number. A recording will tell you if it is necessary to do this. To make a long-distance call from a pay phone using coins, dial i, then the area code followed by the number. You will then hear a recording instructing you on how much money to deposit for a three-minute conversation. There are no nationally available phone cards like those in the United Kingdom, but in some locations and at all airports, you will find phones that do accept calling cards. There are two major types of calling cards: those provided by a long distance carrier, with charges billed to your account, and prepaid phone cards that can be purchased at various shops. Most calling cards require you first to dial the company's toll-free number found on the card, then your account number, prior to dialing the number you want. With prepaid cards, charges are deducted until the card expires. Calling cards make long-distance phoning from a pay phone much easier. Many businesses have toll-free numbers, which require dialing 1-800, 1-877, o r 1-888 before the exchange number. These tollfree numbers, popularly known as 800 numbers, are more common in the US than in Britain. Beware of the letter 0. It is not the same key as the number o in the us. The abbreviation Ph. is often used for "telephone number" in the us as well as Tel. Here are some comparisons of terms from the US and the UK relating to telephones.

The symbol #, known as pound m the US, is called hash or square in the UK. Caller ID in the us is known as caller display in the UK. 13

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

Call forwarding in the US is known as call diversion in the UK.

A calling card is similar to the BT charge card. A busy signal in the us is known as an engaged signal in the UK.

A dial tone is known in British English as a dialling tone. An unlisted number is known in British English as an exdirectory number. Directory assistance or information are known as directory inquiries in the UK.

-a 4 £^ 77?^ Technically Minded

PLUMBING The plumbing system and plumbing terminology in Britain differ slightly from their US counterparts. A trap, or P-trap to be more precise, sits below the sink in the us. This device is known as a U-bend in Britain, where the word tap is used for both indoor and outdoor plumbing. In the US, indoor taps are known as faucets, and outdoor taps are known as spigots. The term tap water is used in both countries, however. In the US, the cold faucet is uniformly on the right for safety reasons. This is not true in Britain, where it can be found on either side. Household hot-water systems differ slightly. In Britain, the hot-water tank (known as a cistern), is usually fed from a tank in the attic, so that an overheated tank cannot blow back into the main supply line. In the us, hot-water tanks are fed directly from the water supply (known as the mains in Britain) to the house. Thus the hot and cold water are at the same pressure, making mixer taps almost standard and very convenient. Toilets in the US, though similar in appearance, have major differences. The equipment in the tank (known as a cistern in Britain) is very simple, consisting of a float and stop valve for maintaining the water level in the tank, and a rubber seal, known as a flapper, which sits over the outlet pipe at the bottom of the 15

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

tank. The flapper is connected by a chain to the handle. When the handle is pushed down, it pulls up the chain, in turn raising the flapper and releasing the water. The system works admirably, but as the flapper ages it does not always maintain a good seal, resulting in a waste of water. For this reason, this system is not permitted in Britain, where a diaphragm is used to start a siphon effect from the tank into the bowl. In the US, the toilet bowls are all of the siphonic type. As the tank empties into the bowl, a siphon effect forms in the S bend in the base of the toilet, resulting in a rapid emptying of the bowl, followed by a gurgle. This system gives a good flush and is reasonably quiet but tends to block up more readily than the standard British system that relies solely on a rush of water.

ELECTRICITY In the US, electricity at the electrical outlet is 120 volts AC, 60 hertz. Plugs are mostly two-pin, or three-pin if they have a ground pin. Outlets are usually paired, one above the other. There are two vertical slots with a hole below for the ground. Older two-slot outlets with no ground are still found in older buildings. Appliances are fitted with a molded plug. With highwattage appliances, it is normal for the plug to get warm! Most kitchen appliances have only two flat pins. To make them safer, one pin is slightly wider than the other, and the outlet also has different slot sizes so that the plug can only be inserted right way up. These plugs are called polarized plugs. This way the appliance gets current only as far as its switch, until it is turned on. Refrigerators and microwave ovens, however, are all fitted with a ground pin. Light bulbs have a screw fitting rather than the British bayonet fitting, although the bayonet type is used in cars. Some light bulbs have two filaments, giving a possibility of three levels of brightness. These are known as three-way bulbs. Electricity is usually carried to houses on overhead wires. Although this system cuts distribution costs, it does result in 16

FOR

THE TECHNICALLY MINDED

more weather-related power failures, often called power outages. High-tension lines are supported by towers, or quite commonly, tall poles. All houses are equipped with two 120-volt lines in opposing phases. This enables 240 volts to be used for appliances, such as water heaters, kitchen stoves, and dryers. These plugs and outlets are not the same as the 120-volt plugs and outlets. Light-switch positions are down for off, up for on. In Britain, electricity comes to the house through underground wires at 240 volts on one phase. Light switches go down for on, up for off. Electrical outlets are usually paired side by side. The earth pin {groundpin in the us) on plugs is larger and longer than the other pins, and as it enters the matching hole in the socket, it raises the cover over the other two pins, permitting them to go in. All appliances are either earthed {grounded), or double insulated for safety. Light bulbs often have a bayonet fitting, rather than a screw fitting as is normal in the US. The support towers that carry power across the country at high voltages are known as pylons. The supply of electricity to the house is referred to as the mains, just like the water supply mentioned earlier. Hence a small appliance may be either battery or mains operated. The word mains is not used or understood in the US for electricity in the house, or for water or gas supplies (see Explanations, page 224).

^ 5 ^ Institutions and Services Rather than presenting a table of British English/American English comparisons, I have chosen to give a brief description of various institutions. Terms that may be unfamiliar to Americans or Britons are given in italics.

THE POSTAL SYSTEM The British Postal Service The postal service in Britain is known as the Royal Mail, and the monarch's head appears on every stamp. The letter carrier, or postman, delivers mail once a day on foot in the cities and suburbs. Until recently, there were two deliveries a day. Letter carriers wear black boots, a navy blue uniform, and a badge with a crown that says Royal Mail. Temporary letter carriers do not wear a uniform, but wear an armband with the words Royal Mail on it. Letters can go first-class or second-class. The stamps for firstclass mail are more expensive but should guarantee next-day delivery. Second-class mail may take a few days. House numbers progress in numerical order, with even-numbered houses on one side of the street and odd-numbered houses on the other. Mail within Britain is called inland mail. 18

INSTITUTIONS AND SERVICES

The postcode was devised around 1970 and consists of a combination of letters and numbers such as AB2 2BA. It is similar to the American Xip Code and goes on the last line of the address. Mail that has the postage imprinted on it by machine is known as franked mail. In the US this is called metered mail. If a record of the receipt of the letter is required, one asks for recorded delivery. A money order is known as a postal order in the UK. Books of stamps may be purchased at petrol stations or newsagents, as well as post offices. The US Postal Service The American letter carrier, also known as the mailman or mail carrier, wears a blue uniform, which in the summer may consist of a short-sleeve shirt, short trousers, and knee socks. Mail delivery is much the same as in Britain, especially in cities and larger towns. However, in many suburbs and in all rural areas mail carriers drive a white jeep with the steering wheel on the "wrong" side. This enables them to deliver and retrieve mail easily at each house by pulling alongside mailboxes set on posts standing at the side of each driveway. Attached to the mailbox is a red piece of metal, commonly called a flag, which is set in a vertical position to indicate that there are letters in the box for the mail carrier to retrieve and post. There are not many public mailboxes available in rural areas. Where available, they are large, blue, freestanding metal boxes that have a combination receptacle/door at the top that pulls open. After letters are deposited on the door, it is closed, and the door drops the letter into the box. Express mail is faster than priority mail. American mail carriers have a route (a fixed course or area in which they deliver mail). There is only one delivery a day, six days a week. To facilitate mail delivery, the Zip Code, an acronym for Zoning Improvement Plan, was introduced in 1963 and is required on each piece of mail. It consists offivenumbers, a hyphen, and then four numbers. The last four numbers are often omitted, even though they do facilitate the handling of mail within their 19


designated zone. It will soon be compulsory to use all nine numbers. Two letters, indicating the state, precede the Zip Code. Stamps may be purchased not only at the post office but also at vending machines, although the price is slightly higher. Post office vending machines sell stamps at face value. Most supermarkets also sell stamps. Small post offices abound, just as in Britain, and you rarely have to wait long to be served. Except in large cities, you won't find any glass partition between you and the clerk. This is true for banks as well. If you wish to have a receipt from the party you are mailing to, you must ask to send the mail return receipt requested. Mail sent and delivered entirely within the us is known as domestic mail.

BANKING British and American banks do not differ much these days. One big difference is that Americans do a lot of their banking at drivethroughs. Most banks have several drive-through lanes in which a pneumatic cylinder whisks your checks (spelled cheques in Britain), papers, and money into the bank (although too many coins in the cylinder can produce a rather interesting effect as they climb up the clear plastic tube). A short while later the cylinder returns with either money or a deposit slip and a voice through the speaker wishes you a nice day. Remember to put the cylinder back before driving off! A United States driving license, which has one's photo on it, is often required for proof of identity (ID) in the US. A British or American tourist will need a passport for proof of identity. Most British credit cards can be used at a cash machine (ATM) to withdraw dollars, but you will need your PIN number. Below is a comparison of some American banking terms with some used in Britain. • A savings and loan (commonly abbreviated S&L) is similar to a British building society.

20


• A mutual fund is known in Britain as a unit trust. • Common stocks are known as ordinary shares. • A checking account is also called a current account. • A savings account is known as a deposit account. • A deposit slip is known as a credit slip. • A routing number is known as a branch sort code. • A checkbook register is known as a transaction record book (although it is usually part of the checkbook in the UK). • A money market account is known as a high interest account. • CDs {certificates of deposit) are known as savings certificates in Britain. • An ATM is called a cash machine in the UK. • A stub on a check is also known as a counterfoil in Britain.

THE CURRENCY British Money In Britain all the currency notes (pieces of paper currency) are of a different size, and the higher the denomination, the larger the note. Different denominations also have different colors, so they cannot easily be confused. A five-pound note is known colloquially as a fiver, and a ten-pound note as a tenner. The monarch's head is on every note, the denominations being 5,10, 20, and 50. The notes are changed every few years and a different design is used to prevent counterfeiting. Such units of currency as guineas, shillings, half crowns, florins, and farthings no longer exist. In the traditional system in use since the eleventh century, one pound equaled 20 shillings, and one shilling equaled 12 pennies. There were thus 240 pence in a pound. On February 15, 1971, a decimal system for the division of the pound was adopted, with 100 pennies to the pound. These pennies were called new pence.

21

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

The current silver coins have recently changed and have no pet names at this time. A bob was the slang term for a shilling. A tanner used to be the equivalent of six pence or half a shilling. The halfpenny, pronounced [hay-pnee] is no longer legal tender, nor is the farthing, a quarter of a penny, which was withdrawn in 1961. A guinea was worth one pound and a shilling, and was used when paying fees to professionals. The plural of penny is pence, one penny, but two pence, formerly pronounced [tuppans]. The symbol £ stands for pounds, p for pence. The one-pound note has been replaced by the pound coin. (Scotland uses the Scottish pound, which is equivalent in value to the British pound, and accepted all over the UK. However, the notes and coins differ in appearance from the British notes. Unlike the British pound, the Scottish pound is still issued in a one-pound note in addition to a one-pound coin.) If an article costs £1.65, it would be spoken "one pound sixty five." The pound is also referred to as the pound sterling. A slang term for a pound is a quid. Pounds (lbs.) are also a unit of weight in Britain, though the metric system is becoming widely used now. American Money In the US, currency notes are called bills and are all the same size and color (green), hence the slang term greenback. They differ mainly in the pictures on the bill (mostly former US presidents) and the denomination, which is written in all four corners. It is advisable, therefore, to check the denomination of each bill carefully before spending it. American men often carry their bills in a billfold, a type of wallet, or in a money clip. The most circulated denominations are one, five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred. Very rarely you may come across a two-dollar bill. These were originally known as deuces and were reintroduced into circulation in the 1970s, along with a dollar coin called the Susan B. Anthony dollar. Although both the two-dollar bill and the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin are legal tender, neither one is in popular 22


use. In 2000 a gold-colored dollar coin, the Sacagawea dollar, was introduced with no better results. Americans tend to be resistant to any change in matters of money, miles, or gallons. The four most common coins in use have been around for a long time. The one-cent coin is called a penny and is similar in color and size to the British penny. The five-cent coin is called a nickel. It is silver in color and is roughly the size of a 2op coin. The dime, worth ten cents, is a tiny silver coin. The twenty-five cent coin is commonly called a quarter, and is the same size and color as the new iop coin. As in Britain, coins are often referred to as change. If an article costs $1.65, the price would be read "a dollar sixty five." The symbol o (zero) is often read as "oh," and $2.05 would be pronounced "two oh five." The $ symbol comes before the dollar amount, and the ) in Britain, but this is rarely heard in the US except in the New England area. Issue and tissue are sometimes pronounced [isyoo] and [tis-yoo]. In the north of England the u sound in putt is almost the same vowel as in put, and book may have the vowel sound of hoot. Aluminum is not only pronounced differently, but it is spelled differently in the two countries. Sir Humphrey Davy, who discovered the metal in 1908, called it aluminum. It was later changed in Britain to aluminium to conform to the spelling and sound of similar elements in the periodic table, such as titanium. However, in the US the old form still exists.

SOME PRONUNCIATION DIFFERENCES In discussing the differences in pronunciation between British English and American English, I have decided not to use the International Phonetic Alphabet, or IPA, simply because most readers are not familiar with the symbols. In general, English words that have recently been borrowed from French are pronounced in the US with the emphasis on the last syllable. For example, consommé is pronounced [consomay] 76

PRONUNCIATION AND GRAMMAR

in the UK, but [con-sa-may] in the US. The past tenses of the verbs to dive, tofit,and to sneak are often dove, fit, and snuck in the US, but in the UK it is dived, fitted, and sneaked. The past participles of the verbs to get and to mow are gotten and mowed respectively in the US, rather than got and mown as in British English. The past tense of the verb to plead may be pleaded or pled m the US, whereas only pleaded is used in the UK. Here are some common words that differ in pronunciation.

American and British Pronunciations Compared

us

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

accent

ak-sent

ak-sant

advertisement

adver-tïz-ment

ad-vert-is-ment

agile

a-jal

a-jïl

albino

al-bïn-ô

al-bee-nô

alternate (adj., noun)

ault-er-nat

aul-tern-et

altimeter

al-tim-a-ter

al-ti-mee-ter

amenity

a-men-a-tee

a-meen-3-tee

anchovy

an-chô-vee

an-cha-vee

anti

an-tï/an-tee

an-tee

apparatus

ap-a-râ«tus

ap-a-ray-tus

aristocrat

a-ris-to-crat

a-ris-to-crat

asphalt

as fault

as-felt

ate

âte

ett

ballet

bal-ay

bal-ay

barrage

bs -rahzh

bâ-rahzh

baton

ba -ton

bà-tôn

been

bin

been

beta

bay-ta

bee-ta

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi.

77


us

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

bitumen

bï-too-men

bï-cher-men

brassiere

bra-zeer

bras-eea

buoy

boo-ee

boy

byzantine

biz-an-teen

bi-zan-tïn

capillary

cap-il-ar-ee

ca-pil-a-ree

caramel

cahr-a -mel

car-a-mel +

Caribbean

ka-rib-ê-an

kar-ï-bee-an +

carillon

kar-i-lon

ka-ril-yon

charade

sha-rad

sha-rahd

chassis

cha-see

sha-see

chimpanzee

chim-pan-zee (regional)

chimp-an-zee

clerk

klerk

klark

clientele

clï-en-tel

clë-an-tel

cobra

cô-bra

cô-bra/cô-bra

combatant

com-bat-ant

com-ba-tant

composite

kam-poz-it

kôm-pa-zit

compost

com-post

com-post

condom

con-dam

con-dom

conduit

con-doo-it

côn-dit

consommé

con-sa-may

con-som-ay

contractor

con-trac-ter

con-trac-ter

controversy

con-tra-ver-see +

con-trov-er-see

cordial

cor-jal

cor-dee-al

cremate

crée-mate

era -mate

croquet

crô-kay

crô-kay

cuckoo

koo-koo

kû-koo

cyclamen

sîk-la-men

sïk-la -men

dahlia

da-lee-a

dâ-lee-a


us

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

debris

da-bree

deb-ree

depot

dee-pô/dë-pô

dë-pô

detail

de tail

dee-tail

devolution

dë-va-loo-shn

dee-va-loo-shn

dislocate

dis-lô-cate

dis-lo-cate +

diverge

dï-verge

dî-verge

docile

do-sal

dôsîl

double entendre

du-bal on-tahn-dra

doo-bla on-tahn-dra

dressage

dra • sahzh

dres-ahzh

dynasty

dï-nas-tee

din as tee

entrepreneur

on-tra-pra-noor

on-tra-prs-ner

era

era

ear a

err

air

er

figure

fig-yer/fi-ger

fi-ger

foliage

fô-lë-aj/fô-laj

fô'lë-aj

forsythia

for-sïth-ë-a

for-sïth-ë-a

fragile

fra-jal

fra-jîle

frequent (verb)

free-kwent

free-kwent

frustrate

frus-trât

frus-trât

gala

gâ-la/gâ-la

gah-la

garage

garahzh

gar-ij/gar-ahzh

geyser

gï-zer

gee-zer

glacier

glay-sher

glas • ë • er

glazier

glay-zher

glay-zëer

gooseberry

goos-be-ree

gûz-ba-ree

hoof

hûf

hoof

hostile

hos-tal

hos-tïl

hurricane

hurr-i-kane

hur-ri-ksn

79


us

UK

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

idyllic

ïdlllik

ïdillik

inquiry

in • kwï • ree/in-kwir-ee in-kwïr-ee

interesting

in-ter-est-ing

in-trest-ing

iodine

I-oh-dine

ï-oh-deen

jaguar

jag-wahr

jag-u-ah

junta

hunta

junta

khaki

ka-kee

kahkee

laboratory

lab-ra-tor-ee

la-bor-a-tree

lasso

la-soli

las-oo +

lavatory

lav-a-taur-ee

lav-a -tree

leisure

lee-zhure

lezh-ure

lever

lever

leever

lieutenant

loo-ten-ant

lef-ten-ant

lilac

ll-lak

lï-bk

liposuction

lï-pô-suk-shan

lî-pô-suk-shan

literally

li-ter-a-lee

lit-ra-lee

macho

mah-chô

mâ-chô

mambo

mahmbo

mam-bo

marquis

mar-kee

mar-kwis

mauve

mauv/môv

môv

metallurgy

me-ta-lur-jee

me-tal-9-jee

methane

me-thane

mee-thane

migraine

mï-grane

mee-grane

miniature

min-ë-9 -choor

min-s-chs

missile

mis al

mis-île

mobile

mo-bel

mo-bïle

mocha

rnohks

mob

WORD

80


US

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

multi

multi/multee

mul-tee

myopic

mï-ôp-ic

mï-ôp-ic

niche

nich

neesh

omega

ô-may-ga

ô-ma-ga

ordinarily

or-di-nar-i-lee

or-di-ner-i-lee

paparazzi

pa-pa-rah-tsi

pa-pa-rât-see

papier mâché

paper ma shay

pâp • ëay mash • ay

pecan

pa-cahn

pë-cân

perfume

per fume

per-fiime

pipette

pïp-et

pï-pët

poinsettia

poin-se-ta

poin-se-të9 +

premature

prë-m9-t(y)oor

prë-mg-tyoor

premier

pra • meer/pree -meer

prëm-ë-air

primarily

pn-mar-i-lee

prî-mër-3-lee

privacy

prï-va-see

prï-va-see

process

pro • ses

proses

produce

prô-doos

prô-dyoos

progress

pro • grès

prô-gres

protester

pro tes-ter

pro-test-er

puma

poo ma

pyoo-ma

python

pï • thon

pï • than

quinine

kwï-nïn

kwi-neen

ration

râ-shan/râ-shsn

râ-shan

regatta

re-gah-ts

regàts

renaissance

ren-9-sens

re-nay-sens

reveille

rëv-a-lee

ra-vâl-ee

route

rout/root

root

81


US

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

salve

sâv

sâlv

samba

sahm-ba

sâm-ba

saucepan

saus-pan

saus-pan

schedule

skedule

shedule

semi

se-mï

se-mee +

shallot

shâl-ot

sha-lot

shone

shôn

shôn

simultaneous

sï-mel-tàn-ë-us

sï-mel-tân-ê-us

sloth

slôth

slôth

snooker

snûk-er

snooker

solder

sôdd-er

solder

St. (in names such as St. Albans)

saint

sant

status

sta-tus

stâ-tus

strychnine

strik-nïn

strik-neen

tarpaulin

tar-pa • lin/tar-pau-lin

tar-pau-lin

temporarily

temp-or-ar-Mee

temp-or-i-lee

thorough

thû-rô, thurô

thu-ra

tourniquet

tour-ni-ket

tour-ni-kay

trait

trayt

tray/trayt

trauma

trah-ma

trauma

trespass

très-pas

très-pas

vase

vas (vahz if over $50)

vahz

vicarious

vï-cair-ë-us

vï-cair-ê-us

vitamin

vî-ta-min

vï-ta-min

vivacious

vï-vâ-shas

vï-vâ-shas

wigwam

wig-wahm

wig-wam

82


us

UK

WORD

PRONUNCIATION

PRONUNCIATION

wont (custom)

wont

wônt

wrath

rath

roth

yogurt

yô-gert

yo-gert

z

zee

zed

zenith

zë-nith

zen-ith

SOME PERSONAL NAMES WITH DIFFERENT PRONUNCIATIONS Here are a few names that are pronounced differendy in the UK and the US. Sometimes Americans use the British pronunciations of personal names, however, when they are making reference to a specific person of British or Irish origin, such as George Bernard Shaw.

Pronunciation of Personal Names WORD

US PRONUNCIATION

UK PRONUNCIATION

Bernard

ber-nard

ber-nad

Cecil

ce • cil

ce-cil

Marie

ma-ree

mah-ree/mâ-ree

Maurice

mau-rees

morris

Michel

mï-shel

mee • shel

Notre Dame

nô-ter dame

nô-tra-dahm +

Raleigh

raw-lee

rah-lee +

Renee

ra-nay

re-nay

St. Augustine

saint aug-us-teen

sant au-gus-tin

Van Gogh

van goh

van gof


-a 9 ESpelling The lexicographer Noah Webster is responsible for many of the differences that distinguish American spelling from British spelling. His American Dictionary of the English Language, which came out in 1828, became the standard for us spelling. He originally wanted Americans to use much more strictly phonetic spelling, but he later compromised with only minor modifications. British spelling has also undergone reform since 1828. Most notably, terror and horror have lost their -our endings. The -ise suffix is relatively new to British spelling (see below). The American spellings below are those preferred by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, while the British spellings are those recommended by the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, except in the case of words ending in — ise (see below). There are alternative ways of spelling some words. Spelling Differences us

UK

abridgment

abridgement

accouterment

accoutrement

acknowledgment

acknowledgement


84

SPELLING

US

UK

adapter +

adaptor

aging

ageing

aluminum

aluminium

ameba

amoeba +

analyze

analyse

anesthetic

anaesthetic

apologize +

apologise

appall

appal

appetizer +

appetiser

arbor

arbour

ardor

ardour

armor

armour

armorer

armourer

armory

armoury

artifact

artefact

authorize +

authorise

behavior

behaviour

behoove

behove

caliper

calliper

calisthenics

callisthenics

canceled

cancelled +

candor

candour

capitalize +

capitalise

catalog

catalogue

center

centre

chamomile

camomile

check (bank)

cheque

checkerboard

chequer-board


US

UK

chili

chilli

civilization +

civilisation

civilize +

civilise

clamor

clamour

clangor

clangour

clarinetist

clarinettist

color

colour

counselor

counsellor

cozy

cosy

curb (on a street)

kerb

czar

tsar

defense

defence

demeanor

demeanour

dependent (noun)

dependant

dialing

dialling

diarrhea

diarrhoea

disk

disc

distill

distil

dolor

dolour

draft

draught

economize +

economise

enamor

enamour

endeavor

endeavour

enroll

enrol

enthrall

enthral

equalize +

equalise

favor

favour

favorite

favourite

86

SPELLING

US

UK

favoritism

favouritism

fervor

fervour

fiber

fibre

flavor

flavour

fulfill

fulfil

furor

furore

gage

gauge +

gemology

gemmology

gray

grey +

harbor

harbour

harmonize +

harmonise

honor

honour

honorable

honourable

humor

humour

initialize +

initialise

inquiry +

enquiry

installment

instalment

instill

instil

jail

jail/gaol

jeweler

jeweller

jewelry

jewellery

judgment

judgement

labor

labour

license

licence

liter

litre

maneuver

manoeuvre

marvelous

marvellous

memorize +

memorise


US

UK

misdemeanor

misdemeanour

mobilize +

mobilise

mold

mould

molding

moulding

mom

mum

mustache

moustache

naught

nought

neighbor

neighbour

neighborhood

neighbourhood

normalize +

normalise

odor

odour

organize +

organise

pajamas

pyjamas

paralyze

paralyse

parlor

parlour

pasteurize +

pasteurise

peddler +

pedlar

percent

per cent

persnickety

pernickety

plow

plough

polarize +

polarise +

practice (verb)

practise

pretense

pretence

program

programme

pulverize +

pulverise

rancor

rancour

realize +

realise

SPELLING

US

UK

recognize +

recognise

rigor

rigour

rumor

rumour

savor

savour

savory

savoury

skeptic

sceptic

skillfUl

skilful

specter

spectre

spilled

spilt

splendor

splendour

story (of a building)

storey

succor

succour

sulfur

sulphur

symbolize +

symbolise

sympathize +

sympathise

theater

theatre +

tire

tyre

traveler

traveller

tumor

tumour

utilize +

utilise

valor

valour

vapor

vapour

vaporize +

vaporise

vigor

vigour

vise (tool)

vice

willftil

wilful"

worshiper

worshipper

89


When adding a suffix to a word ending with an / in the US, remember to double the last / only if the stress is on the second syllable of the root word, e.g., trav-el, traveler but pat-rol, patrolling. In Britain one always doubles the / in these words, e.g., snorkel, snorkelling. Most words ending in — our in British spelling end in or in American spelling. Words ending with -re in British spelling usually end with —er in American spelling. Theatre is often spelled the British way. The suffix -ize is still preferred by some British dictionaries for the following common words: apologize, capitalize, equalize, finalize, legalize, mobilize, organize, pasteurize, popularize, realize, standardize, symbolize, and vaporize. However, most Britons prefer the alternate — ise suffix with these words, which reflects the French influence on British English in the last 200 years. Some other common words that Americans spell with z, but Britons with s, include analyze, cozy, and paralyze, which are spelled analyse, cosy, and paralyse in British English. Most words that have an a directly followed by an e in British English, such as orthopaedics and anaesthesia, are spelled without the a in American English. Similarly, the 0 is omitted in words such as oedema, oestrogen, foetus, and oesophagus in American English.

ONE-LETTER DIFFERENCES Some words of special interest are those whose American and British spellings differ by just one letter, which, however, makes a difference in pronunciation. For the explanation of the origin of the difference between American aluminum and British aluminium, see page 76.

90

SPELLING

One-Letter Spelling Differences us

UK

aluminum [a-loo-mi-num]

aluminium [al-yoo-min-ee-um]

carburetor [kar-bur-ay-ter]

carburettor [kar-bu-re-ta]

costumer

costumier [cos • tyoo • meea]

crotch

crutch (crotch is also used)

divorcé/divorcée [di-vor-say]

divorcee [di-vors-ee]

doodad

doodah

greenskeeper

greenkeeper

hot flashes

hot flushes

jimmy

jemmy

mom

mum

muss up

mess up +

noodle (meaning "the head")

noddle

persnickety

pernickety

pita [pe-ta] (bread)

pitta [pi • ta]

plunk (down)

plonk

pudgy

podgy

putter

potter

salesroom

saleroom

sappy

soppy

specialty [spesh-al-tee]

speciality [spe-shee-al-i-tee]

tidbit

titbit



SOME DIFFERENCES IN PREPOSITIONAL USAGE The preposition of is used more readily in the US following the word alk e.g., all of my life, ouside of the us. The use of the preposition up is not very common with the verb to phone. Most Americans would just say I phoned him. However, Americans do not use ring as a verb meaning "to call on the telephone," as in such phrases as / will ring him tomorrow, although they might say / will give him a ring. Sometimes Americans may say pass up instead of pass (e.g., We passed them up a mile back). Sometimes you may hear change out instead of change (e.g., We had to change out the oil pump last year), but this is not the preferred usage. Here are some other differences in prepositional usage.

Differences in theUse ofPrepositions us

UK

clue in

clue up

cut off (in traffic)

cut up

do over (make over)

do up

hold for ransom

hold to ransom

hold up/wait up

hold on +

in heat

on heat

in tow

on tow

sell out (property)

sell up

top off

top up

wait on (await)

wait for +

wait on (tables)

wait at

A plus sign [+] after a term indicates that the term is known in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

SPELLING

SOME DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF SUFFIXES British English and American English sometimes differ in the use of the suffixes -ing and -ed. In order to sound truly like a native, you should note the following differences.

Differences in the Use ofSuffixes us

UK

dance class

dancing class

dial tone

dialling tone

drainboard

draining board

driver s license

driving licence

file cabinet

filing cabinet +

fry pan

frying pan +

headed for

heading for +

race car

racing car

race meet

race meeting

rowboat

rowing boat

sailboat

sailing boat

sawed-off

sawn-off

scrub brush

scrubbing brush

swinging door

swing door


SOME DIFFERENT TERMS FOR PUNCTUATION The British and American names for punctuation marks and other writing symbols also differ. The decimal point in the US is

93


the same as a full stop, unlike the British decimal point, which is usually positioned halfway up the line, as in £150.

Punctuation Terms US TERM

UK EQUIVALENT

[ ] brackets +

square brackets

{} curly brackets

braces

( ) parentheses

brackets

/ slash +

stroke, oblique

/ check mark

tick

! exclamation point

exclamation mark +

. period

full stop

quotation marks +

inverted commas


94

•* 1 0 ^ Sundry Terms SOME DIFFERENT FURNISHING TERMS Terms for different kinds of fabric and home furnishings may pose problems to Britons in America or to Americans in Britain. The following list should help sort the different words out. Furnishing Terms us

UK

area rug baby carrier baseboard bassinet breakfront buffet bureau cot couch +

rug (large) carrycot skirting board crib display cabinet sideboard chest of drawers camp bed settee +


95


US

UK

credenza [cra-den-za]

sideboard/cabinet for papers or supplies in an office

crib

cot

davenport

sofa +

drapes/draperies *

curtains

dresser

chest of drawers (often with a mirror)

dust ruffle

valance

floor lamp

standard lamp

hassock

pouffe

highboy

tallboy

hutch

dresser

lowboy

small dressing table

Murphy bed

foldaway bed

ottoman

footstool

pass-through

hatch

secretary desk

bureau/davenport

sheer curtains/sheers

net curtains

side server

sideboard +

trundle bed

truckle-bed

valance

pelmet

SOME D I F F E R E N T TERMS FOR TOOLS Britons in the US or Americans in the UK who are lucky enough to extend their stay long enough to purchase a house or car may find this list useful. 96

SUNDRY TERMS

Tools US

UK

alligator clip

crocodile clip

blowtorch +

blowlamp

bone wrench

box spanner

boot (wheel immobilizer)

wheel clamp

coping saw

fretsaw

monkey wrench

pipe wrench +

Skilsaw (brand name)

circular saw +

utility knife

Stanley knife (a brand name)

wall anchor

Rawlplug (a brand name)

wrench +

spanner


SOME DIFFERENT MEDICAL TERMS It is always unfortunate when we fall ill—or as Americans often say, get sick—but when it happens while we are staying in a foreign country, it can be particularly distressing when you don't know correct terms used to describe medical conditions and remedies. As a help to you in the doctors office and elsewhere, here are some medical terms that differ between the US and the UK. Medical Terms us

UK

acetaminophen/Tylenol (brand)

paracetamol

anesthesiologist

anaesthetist

appendectomy +

appendicectomy

Baker-acted (regional slang)

sectioned


97


US

UK

charge nurse

ward sister (female)/charge nurse (male)

chronic fatigue syndrome +

ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis)

circulating nurse

theatre sister

crib death

cot-death

diaper

nappy

doctor's office

doctors surgery

EKG

ECG +

emergency department +

A and E/Accident and Emergency

gurney

stretcher +

IV

drip

in isolation

in a barrier/isolation ward

intern

houseman

internist

specialist in internal diseases

lidocaine

lignocaine

locum tenens (rarely used by a layperson in the US)

locum

infectious mononucleosis +

glandular fever

operating room

operating theatre/theatre

pacifier

dummy

physical therapist

physiotherapist

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) +

PMT (premenstrual tension)

podiatrist

chiropodist (similar)

Q-Tip (brand name)

cotton swab +

prenatal +

antenatal

resident doctor

registrar

RN +

sister

scrubs/scrub suit

theatre whites/theatre garb

shot (colloq., injection) +

jab

98

SUNDRY TERMS

US

UK

specialist

consultant (similar)

sponge bath

blanket bath

(a) surgery

operation +

tongue depressor

spatula

visiting nurse

district community nurse

walker

walking frame/Zimmer frame

Some medical terms are also spelled differently in the UK and the us. See page 90.

CARNIVAL (FUNFAIR) TERMS One interesting area in which British and American usages differs is in the words used at carnivals, or as the British call them, funfairs.

Carnival Terms UK

us

big wheel

Ferris wheel

candyfloss

cotton candy

Dodgem cars

bumper cars +

merry-go-round +

carousel

sideshow location

midway

steam organ

calliope [ka-lï-6-pee]

switchback

roller coaster +

toffee apple

candy apple/caramel apple


99


SOME DIFFERENT GARDENING TERMS Americans often think of Britons as people devoted to gardens and skilled at maintaining them. Here are a few gardening terms that differ between the two countries. (Many plant names are pronounced differently in the US and the UK as well. See pages 77-83.) Gardening Terms UK

us

busy Lizzie

impatiens

casuarina

Australian pine

dead-head

remove dead flower heads

Norfolk pine

Norfolk Island pine

rockery

rock garden +

secateurs

pruners/pruning shears

trug

shallow gardening basket

minimal-irrigation landscaping

Xeriscaping

A plus sign [+] after a term, indicates that the term is known in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

IOO

11

WORDS AND TERMS THAT A BRITON SHOULD AVOID IN THE US Britons and Americans can usually understand each other very well with a little effort. Any casual misunderstandings that occur can usual be sorted out quite quickly. However, there are a few words and expressions that sometimes pose more serious problems. The following is a list of common British terms and phrases that can mean something quite different in the US. What Not to Say in the US Brilliant (slang)

Use great or cool

Carry on

Use go ahead or after you.

Cheers

Use thanks or goodbye if used in a slang sense.

Dear

This is not used often in the US for expensive.

Estate agent

Could be misunderstood. Use realtor.

Fag

This is an offensive term meaning "gay man" in the US. Use cigarette.

Fagged out

This phrase will remind Americans of the words fag and faggot. Use beat or whipped. IOI


Faggot

This is an offensive term meaning "gay man" in the US. There is no exact equivalent for the name of the traditional English dish called a faggot, so the British expression must be explained with a phrase such as meatball made from pork liver, onions, and bread.

Give me a tinkle

Could sound vulgar. Try Give me a call or Give me a jingle instead.

Homely

This means unattractive'in the US.

Try homey. I've knocked myself up

Vulgar in the US. Try I've knocked myself out.

Keep your pecker up

Vulgar in the US. Try Keep smiling.

Knock up

When playing tennis, use warm up.

Knock me up

A vulgar expression in the US. Try Wake me up.

Lay the table

Use instead Set the table.

May I top you up?

Would not be understood in the US. Try Want me to top that off? or May I freshen your drink?

My mate

A mate in the US usually refers to a marriage partner. Try my buddy.

No naked lights

Use No open flames.

Pot plant

This would mean a marijuana plant to most Americans. Try house plant.

Potty about

Would not be understood in the US. Try crazy about.

Ring me up

Use Give me a call.

Rubber

This is an informal word for a condom in the US. Use eraser.

IO2

WHAT NOT TO SAY

Sleeping partner

Use silent partner.

Solicitor

Use attorney or lawyer.

Tramp

Use hobo or homeless person. Tramp can also mean "loose woman."

Wash up

In the US this expression means "to wash your face and/or hands." Use instead wash the dishes.

Where's the ladies'/ gents'?

Use Where's the ladies'lwomenslmen's room? or Where's the restroom?

WORDS AND TERMS THAT AN AMERICAN SHOULD AVOID IN THE UK The following is a list of common American terms and phrases that may confuse or offend Britons.

What Not to Say in the UK Vest, suspenders, and pants

These refer to undergarments in the UK. Instead, use waistcoat., braces, and trousers respectively.

Knickers

This term means "panties" in the UK. Use knickerbockers.

Get the poop on

Use instead Get the low-down on.

I'm stuffed

Possibly vulgar. Use Im full

Bugger

An offensive word in British English.

Bummer

Use instead nuisance or disappointing.

Bum steer

Use instead bad advice or bad directions.

Fanny

Vulgar. Use bottom or behind.

Fanny pack

Possibly vulgar. Use bumbag. 103


Get a bang out of someone

Possibly vulgar. Use get a kick out ofsomeone.

Tramp

Only use this if you mean "hobo." It is never used to refer to a loose woman in the UK.

School

This is not used for university or higher education in the UK.

Shaggingflies

This might not only sound obscene, but impossible. Try retrieving and returning baseballs.

Wash up

This means "wash the dishes" in Britain. Try wash your hands instead.

SOME WORDS WITH DIFFERENT MEANINGS The following words have quite different meanings in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Words with Different Meanings WORD

US MEANING

UK MEANING

academician

an academic

member of an academy

basket case

exhausted person

insane person

billion

one thousand million

one million million

bomb (especially of a play)

go badly

go very well

bucket shop

disreputable highpressure brokerage firm

travel agency specializing in discount tickets

bureau

chest of drawers

secretary desk

casket

coffin

small ornamental box 104

WHAT NOT TO SAY

WORD

US MEANING

UK MEANING

cohort

colleage/supporter

group of people representing a common cause

cordial

liqueur

concentrated fruit juice

cot

makeshift bed

baby's bed

cranky

irritable

eccentric

crockery

earthenware pots

plates and dishes

creek

stream

narrow tidal inlet

cruet

small vinegar container

container for condiments

cutlery

knives

eating utensils

cut up

fool around

feel upset

davenport

sofa

writing desk

deadhead

drive without a load

dead flower

diddle

waste time

swindle

dormitory

building used for sleeping

room used for sleeping

dresser

chest of drawers

display cabinet for china

dry goods

fabrics and clothing

foodstuffs

fag

(offensive slang) gay man

cigarette

garden

cultivated area for plants

lawn and flower-beds

green card

permanent resident card

motorists' foreign insurance

hassock

round stuffed cushion on the floor

church kneeling cushion

homely

ugly

cozy/unpretentious

tall vessel with a narrow neck and perhaps a stopper

any vessel with a pouring lip (called pitcher in the us)

105


WORD

US MEANING

UK MEANING

jumper

pinafore dress

sweater

knickers

knee-length trousers

panties

knock up

(vulgar slang) make pregnant

wake up

leery

wary

sly

loft

open, elevated area in a room

attic

luminary

candle used to light the way

leader in a subject

marquee

illuminated promotional sign

outdoor tent for parties

mean

nasty

stingy

momentarily

in a moment

for a moment

mutt

mongrel

dog (slang)

nervy

impudent

nervous

outhouse

outdoor toilet

shed near a house

pantomime

show performed by a mime artist

Christmas theatrical performance

pavement

road surface

paved pedestrian pathway

phonograph

record player

early musical player operating off cylinders

pissed

angry

drunk

proctor

exam supervisor at a university

disciplinary officer at a university

pumps

ladies' dress shoes

canvas sneakers

ratty

shabby

irritable

redcap

railway porter

military police officer

school

any learning institute

institute for teaching children

106

WHAT NOT TO SAY

WORD

US MEANING

UK MEANING

shingle

asphalt roof tile/ small sign

wooden roof tile/ beach pebble

skivvies

underwear

maids (A skivvy is a maid.)

slate (verb)

put on an agenda

criticize

slot machine

gambling machine

vending machine

snifter

brandy glass

small alcoholic drink

snookered

conned

trapped

Social Security

government pension for retirees

Welfare

solitaire

card game for one person

board game with pegs

suspenders

trouser supports

stocking supports

table (verb)

put a bill aside temporarily

bring forward for discussion

tick off

annoy

reprimand

twister

tornado

swindler

valance

covering over a curtain rod

skirt around a bed

vest

sleeveless garment worn under a jacket

undershirt

video

videotape

videotape/tape player

wash up

wash oneself

wash the dishes

yard

lawn around a house

paved area

107

-s 12 ^ Idioms and Expressions SOME BRITISH EXPRESSIONS Here is a list comparing British expressions with similar expressions used in the US. Sometimes there is no common equivalent. In this case, the equivalents given in italics are simply explanations of the expression and are not idioms. British Expressions UK

us

at the end of one's tether

at the end of one's rope

bang on

right on (the nose)

basket case

insane person

bat an eyelid

bat an eye

beat them hollow

clean their clocks

belt up!

shut up! +

blot one's copybook

hurt one's reputation

blow the gaff

spill the beans +

Bob's your uncle!

And there you have it!

bright spark

smart cookie


108

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

UK

us

browned off

teed off

bung it on

blow smoke

bunk off

play hookey

carry the can

hold the bag

channel-hop

channel-surf

chat up

come on to

cheesed off

teed off

chock-a-block full

chock-full

clapped out

worn out

clock up

rack up

clue up on

clue in on

come a cropper

fall down

common or garden

garden-variety

cot-case

basket case

(a) dab hand at something

a crackerjack at something

daylight robbery

highway robbery

(a) dead cert

You can take it to the bank.

different as chalk and cheese

comparing two very different people

do a moonlight flit

sneak out in the night

do the dirty on someone

give someone the shaft

down at heel

poor/unkempt

drive round the bend

drive up a wall +

drop a clanger

make a big faux pas

drunk as a lord

drunk as a skunk

dull as ditchwater

dull as dishwater

feel hard-done-by

feel that you were treated unfairly

feel peckish

have the munchies

fit someone up

frame someone

109


UK

us

from the year dot

from the year one

full marks for

deserves an A for

get off with someone

make out with someone

get the gen on

get the poop on

get the wind up

get all shook up (colloq.)

get your come-uppance

get your just deserts

get your knickers in a twist

have a hissy fit

give it a miss

skip it/pass it up +

give someone the pip

annoy someone

give someone their cards

give someone a pink slip

give someone their marching orders

give someone their walking papers

give someone the vees/ Vsign

give someone the finger/bird (In the UK, both the index and the middle finger, spread in a V-shape, are used to make a vulgar gesture.)

go bust

go broke

go like the clappers

go at great speed

go spare

go berserk +

happy as a sandboy

happy as a clam

Hard cheese!

Tough!

have a lie-in

sleep in +

have a natter

shoot the breeze

have no truck with

have no dealings with

have your guts for garters

you'll be dead meat

heap of

bunch of

Heath Robinson device

Rube Goldberg device

hell for leather

hell-bent for leather

home and dry

home free

no

IDIOMS AND

UK

EXPRESSIONS

if the cap fits

us if the shoe fits

in a funk

frightened

in a trice

in a heartbeat/in a New York minute

in donkey's years

in forever

in future

in the future

in queer street

up the creek +

in someone's good books

in someone's good graces +

jump the lights

run a red light

keep your pecker up

keep your chin up +

knock-on effect

domino effect +

knock spots off

knock the socks off

knocked for six

thrown for a loop

land someone with

stick someone with

land up

end up +

left holding the baby

left holding the bag

left to carry the can


long in the tooth

old

look at someone old-fashioned

give someone a disapproving look

look like death warmed up

look like death warmed over

lumber someone with

encumber with

make heavy weather of something

make an ordeal out of something

money for old rope

easy money

much of a muchness

much the same

mug up on

bone up on

Not on your nelly!

No way! +

not the done thing

not socially acceptable in


UK

us

Now you're for it!

You're dead meat!

off one's trolley

off one's rocker +

off the beaten track

off the beaten path

on my tod

on my lonesome

on tenterhooks

on pins and needles

on the dole

on unemployment

on the never-never

in installments

on toast

over a barrel +

out on the tiles

out having a wild time

over the moon

ecstatic

Pack it in!

Stop it!

packed up

went kaput

panic stations

pandemonium

parsons nose + (on poultry)

pope's nose

past praying for

beyond hope

peg out (die)

check out

play gooseberry

chaperone someone

potter around

putter around

pull your socks up

try harder

put it on the slate

put it on the tab

put paid to

put an end to

put someone's nose out of joint

upset someone

Rolls Royce of

Cadillac of

rough diamond +

diamond in the rough

rub up the wrong way

rub the wrong way

run with the hare and hunt with the hounds

play both ends against the middle +

112

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

UK

us

sale or return

on consignment

save one's bacon

save one's skin

send someone to Coventry

give someone the silent treatment

sharp as a needle

sharp as a tack

skeleton in the cupboard

skeleton in the closet

slap-up (of a meal)

bang-up

slowcoach

slowpoke

small beer

small potatoes

snookered [snoo-kerd]

behind the eight ball

Sod it!

Screw it!

soldier on

press on +

spend a penny

use the bathroom/go potty

spot on

on the money/on the nose

stand for office

run for office

Stone the crows!

Holy cow!

stop on a sixpence

stop on a dime

storm in a teacup

a tempest in a teapot

sure as eggs are eggs

sure as shootin'

suss it out

scope it out

take a recce [rek-kee]

check it out +

take the biscuit

take the cake +

take the mickey out of someone

razz someone

talk nineteen to the dozen

talk up a blue streak

talk the hind legs off a donkey

talk up a storm

tart up +

gussy up

ten a penny

a dime a dozen

113


UK

the book of words

us the instruction book

The game's up!

The jig is up!

The penny dropped.

The light came on.

the tricky bit

the tricky part

thin as a rake

skinny as a rail

third time lucky

three times a charm

throw a spanner in the works

throw a monkey wrench in the works

tick off (See tick off in the list of American expressions below.)

reprimand

tinker's cuss

tinker's damn

too big for his boots

too big for his britches

top off

assassinate

twopenny-halfpenny [tuppeny-haypenny]

two-bit (inferior)

up my street

up my alley

went like a bomb

took off was a hit

when it comes to the crunch

when push comes to shove +

with knobs on

in spades

wouldn't touch it with a barge pole

wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole

yell blue murder

yell bloody murder

You're having me on!

You're putting me on!

SOME AMERICAN EXPRESSIONS Here is a list comparing US expressions with similar expressions used in Britain. Sometimes there is no common equivalent. In this case, the equivalents given in italics are simply explanations 114

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

of the expression and are not idioms. Pronunciations are enclosed in square brackets.

American Expressions us

UK

(to be) a day late and a dollar short

miss out on something

a dime a dozen

ten a penny

all kinds of (colloquial meaning)

a large number of

all tied up (in sports)

tied +

any more you don't

these days you don't

at the end of one's rope

at the end of one's tether

bang-up

slap-up

barhopping

going on a pub crawl

basket case

cot-case

be all shook up

get the wind up

beat up on

beat up +

beat up on oneself

berate oneself

behind the eight ball

snookered/without options

bigtime

in a big way/and how!

blow off someone

dismiss/ignore someone

blow smoke

bung it on

bone up on

mug up on

bring someone up to speed

bring someone up to date

broke me up

cracked me up +

buffalo (verb)

to confuse for gain

bug out

scarper/sneak out

(a) bum rap

a raw deal +

(a) bum steer

bad advice/bad directions

For a guide to pronuciation symbols and other signs, see page vi.


US

UK

bummed me out

upset me +

burned me up

browned me off

Butt out!

Stop butting in!

Cadillac of

Rolls Royce of

call the law (regional South)

call the police

can't get blood out of a turnip

can't get blood out of a stone +

catch some rays

get some sun

catch some z's [zeez]

have a zizz

catty-corner from

diagonally across from

check out (to die)

peg out

Chill out! (slang)

Calm down! +

chock-full

chock-a-block full

clean their clocks

beat them hollow

close call +

close shave +

close the barn door after the horse is out

close the stable door after the horse has bolted

close, but no cigar

nearly made it! +

clue in on

clue up on

come on to

chat up

come unglued

go crazy

compare apples and oranges

compare two different things

compare apples with apples

compare things in a similar category

cool one's jets

dampen one's ardour

cotton-pickin' hands

filthy hands

cotton to someone

take a liking to someone

cotton up to

suck up to +

crack a window

open a window a crack

116

IDIOMS AND EXPRESSIONS

US

UK

crackerjack at something (noun)

a dab hand at something

crazy as a loon

have bats in the belfry/batty

cry uncle

admit defeat

cut loose

go wild

cut up

act the fool/muck about

(a) diamond in the rough

a rough diamond

do a double take

take a closer look at something surprising that had gone unnoticed

do a number on

hurt/damage

do a snow job

attempt to deceive or persuade through flattery or exaggeration

do over

do up

doesn't know beans about it

knows bugger all about it

dog and pony show

farcical happening

doggone

ruddy

Don't go there!

Keep off that topic!

Don't take any wooden nickels!

Beware of strangers! Watch out for yourself!

down the pike

down the line +

down to the wire

running out of time

duke it out

fight it out

dull as dishwater

dull as ditchwater

every which way

in all directions

exact same

very same

feel punk

feel unwell

fill out a form +

fill in a form

first dibs on

first option on

first off

firstly

117


US

UK

fit to be tied

beside oneself with rage

flip someone the bird (slang)

give someone the vees

fresh out of

just ran out of

from soup to nuts

all-inclusive

from the get-go

from the word go +

from the year one

from the year dot

garden-variety

common or garden

get a charge/bang out of

get a kick out of+

get the best of

get the better of +

get the skinny on

get the lowdown on +

gets old

gets tedious/dull +

Give me some sugar!

Give me a kiss!

give someone a licking

give someone a hiding

give someone a pink slip

give someone their cards

give someone the berry

snub someone

give someone the bum's rush

abruptly dismiss someone

give someone the finger +

make a V sign

give someone the shaft

do the dirty on someone

give someone the silent treatment

send someone to Coventry

give someone his/her walking papers

give someone his/her marching orders

go ballistic

go berserk

go belly up

go under +

go broke

go bust

go Dutch treat

go Dutch

Go figure!

Try and figure that one out!

go potty

spend a penny

goof off (verb)

skive off

118


US

UK

grandfathered in

permitted because of preexisting conditions

graveyard shift

night shift

grossed me out (hip slang)

disgusted me

gussy up

tart up

hang a right/hang a left

turn right/turn left

happy as a clam

happy as a sandboy

haul ass (vulgar)

move along

have a hissy fit

get your knickers in a twist

have a tin ear

be tone-deaf+

Have at it!

Go to it!

have the munchies

feel peckish

held for ransom

held to ransom

hell-bent for leather

hell for leather

hem and haw

hum and ha

hightail it

go at top speed

highway robbery

daylight robbery

hit the sack

hit the hay +

hogtied

restrained/thwarted

Holy cow!

Stone the crows!

home free

home and dry

I wouldn't bet the ranch on it.

I wouldn't stake my life on it.

I'll have your job.

I'll get you fired.

if the shoe fits

if the cap fits

in a (blue) funk

feeling depressed

in a heartbeat/in a New York minute

in a trice/in two ticks

in back

in the back +

in back of

behind +

119


US

UK

in forever

in donkey's years

in hock

pawned

in the loop (hip)

in the know

just shy of

almost/coming up on

kick butt (hip slang)

stir people up

kitty-corner from

diagonally across from

Knock yourself out!

Go for it!


left holding the baby

let go

made redundant

lie like a rug (verb)

lie through one's teeth +

like gangbusters

with a lot of energy

like it's going out of style

sellingfast

look like a train wreck

look disheveled

look like death warmed over

look like death warmed up

low-rent

low-class

luck out

be very lucky/be in luck +

make out (with someone)

get off (with someone)

make out like a bandit

to get a bargain/be very successful

make over (noun)

face-lift +

make over (verb)

do up

more bang for your buck

more for your money

nip and tuck

touch and go +

Now we're cooking with gas.

Now we're on track.

off the beaten path

off the beaten track

off the rack (clothing)

off the peg

on consignment

sale or return

on my lonesome

on my tod

on pins and needles

on tenterhooks

120


US

UK

on the fritz

on the blink +

on the lam

on the run +

on the money

spot-on

on the nose

spot-on

on the wrong side of the tracks

in the wrong part of town

out of pocket (Southern)

can't be reached

out of town

away

paint oneself into a corner

drive into a corner

party animal

raver, someone who acts rowdily at parties

party pooper

someone who spoils a party

perk up one's ears

prick up one's ears +

Philadelphia lawyer

genius

pick up a room

tidy a room

pig out

make a pig of oneself

play both ends against the middle +

run with the hare and hunt with the hounds

play hookey

bunk off

play phone tag

to call each others answering machine without speaking in person

pooped

knackered

press the flesh

shake hands with supporters

put in one's two cents

give unsolicited advice

put it on the tab +

put it on the slate

put out (vulgar slang)

make oneself sexually available to someone, be sexually active

put the moves on

chat up

putter around

potter around

121


US

UK

rack up

clock up/notch up

railroad someone (convict hastily and unjustly)

press-gang someone

rattled my cage

wound me up

razz someone

take the mickey out of someone

ride shotgun (verb)

to ride in the passenger seat

right on

spot on/bang on

rub elbows with

rub shoulders with +

rub the wrong way

rub up the wrong way

Rube Goldberg device

Heath Robinson device

run a red light

jump the lights

run for office

stand for office

Run that by me again?

Would you repeat that?

same difference

same thing +

scarf down

scoff down

scope it out

take a recce/suss it out

set up housekeeping

set up home

sharp as a tack

sharp as a needle

shine up to

suck up to +

shoo-in (noun)

dead cert (certainty)

shoot from the hip

tell it the way it is

shoot hoops

play basketball

shoot the breeze/bull

have a natter

Shoot!

Bother (it)!

skeleton in the closet

skeleton in the cupboard

skinny as a rail

thin as a rake

skip it/pass it up +

give it a miss

sleep over (verb) (children's term)

spend the night

122

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

US

UK

slip someone a Mickey

slip someone a Mickey Finn

slowpoke

slowcoach

small potatoes

small beer

smart cookie

bright spark

snookered [snu-kerd]

conned + (see snookered UK)

Son of a gun!

Well, I never!

Sounds like Greek to me. +

It's all double Dutch to me.

stand on/in line

stand in a queue

step up to the plate

come forward and make a stand

stick someone with

lumber/land someone with

stop on a dime

stop on a sixpence

sure as shootin'

sure as eggs

take the cake +

take the biscuit

talk up a storm

talk the hind legs off a donkey

teed off

browned off/cheesed off

tempest in a teapot

a storm in a teacup

The light came on.

The penny dropped.

the whole ball of wax

the whole (kit and) caboodle +

the whole nine yards

the whole (kit and) caboodle +

three times a charm

third time lucky

throw a monkey wrench in the works

throw a spanner in the works

throw someone a curved ball

bowl a googly

thrown for a loop

knocked sideways/knocked for six

tick off (See tick off in Some British Expressions, page 114.)

cheese off/annoy

to go (at a fast-food restaurant)

to take away

too big for his britches

too big for his boots

123


US

UK

toss one's cookies

vomit

Tough!

Hard cheese!

two-bit (inferior)

twopenny-halfpenny (pronounced [tuppeny-haypenny] )

up and at' em

up and at it

up my alley

up my street

up the creek +

in queer street

wait on line

stand in a queue

want out

want to get out

water over the dam

water under the bridge +

Way to go!

Good going!

way too

much too

We're history, (slang)

Let's get going.

went kaput

packed up

What a bummer!

What a nuisance!

What a stitch!

What a hoot! +

When pigs fly!

Pigs might fly!

when push comes to shove +

when it comes to the crunch

whipped

knackered

wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole

wouldn't touch it with a barge pole

yea high

so high +

yell bloody murder

yell blue murder

You can take it to the bank.

It's a dead cert.

You'll be dead meat.

They'll have your guts for garters.

You're dead meat!

Now you're for it!

You're putting me on!

You're having me on!

124

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

To put ones best foot forward means "to do one's best" in the US. In Britain it also means to walk briskly. To cotton to someone means to take a liking to someone in the US. In British English to cotton on means to catch on to an idea. To be at loose ends in the US means to be in a dither. If you are at a loose end m Britain it means that you have nothing much to do. To feel one's oats means to feel lively in British English, but in American English it means to feel self-important. If you are snookered m Britain, you are unable to get out of a difficult situation. If you have been snookered m the US, you have been conned. Tick off in the US means "annoy," but it has a totally different meaning in the UK, where it means "reprimand."

COMMON METAPHORICAL BASEBALL TERMS Americans often use sports terms in conversations. One sport from which a lot of terms are borrowed is baseball, which, by the way, evolved from the British game called rounders. Baseball Expressions us

UK

a ballpark figure

a rough estimate

a tough call

a difficult decision

The bases are loaded.

It's a make-or-break situation.

batting a thousand

going great guns

batting zero

getting nowhere

cover all bases

take care of everything

didn't get to first base

didn't accomplish anything

get to home base

achieve one's goal

go to bat for someone

be someone's advocate

off-base, to be

to hold a mistaken idea

125


UK

us off track

out in left field screwball (a ball pitched with reverse spin)

eccentric or irrational person

step up to the plate

make a stand

strike out

fail

switch hitter

bisexual person

throw someone a curve (ball)

throw someone a googly

touch base

get in touch with someone

whole new ball game

completely different situation

You're up./You're at bat.

It's up to you./It's your turn.

In the US, playing pepper means warming up by catching and returning balls. Practicing catching balls in the outfield is known as shagging flies.

SOME OLDER BRITISH WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS The following old-fashioned words are sometimes encountered in older books and films, and you can sometimes even hear them being used by some people in speech, occasionally in jest. Older British Expressions UK

us

Bath chair

wheelchair

bathing drawers

bathing suit

beaker

mug

bottom gear

first gear

bounder

scoundrel

carriage rug

lap robe

char/charwoman

cleaning lady 126


UK

Cheese it!

us Stop it!

charabanc

tour bus

cloth-eared

hard of hearing

counterpane

bedspread

(a) gas

a laugh

geyser

instant hot water heater

hangover (a relic)

holdover

identification parade

lineup (police)

ironmonger

hardware store

keypuncher

card punch operator

old lag

habitual convict

outside (on a bus)

upstairs

push-bike

bike

ripping

terrific

rum

odd/strange

shape

Jell-O (brand name)

shooting brake

station wagon

wireless

radio

wood-wool

excelsior

SOME OLDER AMERICAN WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS Older Americans may continue using regional pronunciations of words such as [mayzhure] and [play-zhure] for measure and pleasure. Rations may be pronounced [ray-shns], and long-lived may sometimes be pronounced [long-lived] with a long vowel as in alive. This is actually the "correct" pronunciation from a historical point of view, since the word was formed from the noun life 127


in Middle English using the same pattern as hook-nosed or ruddyfaced. The common modern pronunciation with a short vowel is a more recent development based on an association of the phrase long-lived'with forms of the verb to live. Here is a list of some old-fashioned expressions that may be encountered in novels and films and under other such circumstances, and some older people may occasionally be heard to use these expressions. Younger people may even use some of them from time to time in jest.

Older American Expressions us

UK

aforenoon

morning

apple polisher

one who curries favour with another

barnburner

an exciting event

blues harp

mouth-organ

bodacious

remarkable/outstanding

broad/gal/dame

chick/bird

bumbershoot

brolly

C-note/C

one-hundred-dollar bill

card punch operator

keypuncher/keypunch operator

cheaters

reading glasses

chew the fat/chew the rag

have a natter

church key

a beverage can or bottle opener

colored glasses

sunglasses

comfort station

public convenience

copacetic

A-OK +

cowpoke

cowboy

(to) cut a rug

to dance

dimestore/five-and-ten

low-cost general store

128

IDIOMS AND

EXPRESSIONS

US

UK

dime-store glasses

reading glasses purchased without a prescription

directional

indicator

dressing (with poultry)

stuffing

druggist

pharmacist

excelsior (former brand name)

wood-wool

fireplug

fire hydrant

five-spot/fin

a five-dollar bill

fly window (of a car)

quarter-light

For land's sake!

Oh, my giddy aunt!

gandy dancer

platelayer (railway)

gobs of

bags of

goose egg (a score of zero)

duck/ducks egg

have one's druthers

have one's way

high-test (gas)

high-octane

hoofer

professional dancer

icebox

refrigerator

in a coon's age

in donkey's years

in the back forty (humorous)

at the bottom of the garden

lap robe

rug (light blanket)

lickety-split

hell for leather

light bill

electricity bill

milquetoast

wimp

monkeyshines

monkey tricks

normal school

teacher training college

oleo

margarine

phonograph

gramophone

phosphate

soft drink

pill

a disagreeable person

129

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

US

UK

pocketbook

purse/handbag

puff

eiderdown

put on the dog

put on side

quinine water

Indian tonic water

ride herd

supervise/boss

ride Shank's mare

take Shanks s pony

sawbuck

ten-dollar bill

sawing logs

sleeping

seltzer bottle

soda siphon

shag

dance

sock hop

i95os-style dance

soda jerk

someone who works at a soda fountain

spider (regional North and Atlantic)

frying pan

steamer rug

rug

strike pay dirt

on the scent

swell

dandy

trade-last/TL

a compliment that one person passes on to another in exchange for a compliment about himself or herself

two bits

twenty-five cents (25C)

Victrola (brand name)

wind-up gramophone

visiting fireman

special visitor in town

warm over (food)

warm up

What the Sam Hill?

What the hell?

white gas

unleaded petrol

wing window (car)

quarter-light

wood alcohol

methyl alcohol

130

-* 13 & Notes on Symbols and Abbreviations THE R SYMBOL The symbol R (often written as R with a small x to the side) is seen a lot in the US. It was originally an abbreviation for the Latin word recipe, the command form of the verb recipere "to take," used by doctors when writing prescriptions. A large fy symbol is sometimes displayed on the street sign identifying a business as a pharmacy. In general, the symbol serves to convey the idea of a prescription or remedy. It is often used in everyday print, e.g., Do you have heartburn? $; a short walk after meals.

THE $ SYMBOL One often hears that the dollar symbol ($) was created by superimposing the letter Uover the letter S with the bottom of the Ucut off. An interesting idea, but it has no validity. Several other theories have been proposed. During the 1700s, a Spanish coin (the peso) popularly called a dollar was the most widely used form of currency both in the original 13 colonies governed by Britain and also in the newly independent United States. The word dollar at that time was used for various coins that were modeled on a Bohemian coin 131


called the Joachimsthaler, named after the silver mine at Joachimstal (now Jàchymov). This town, which is now in the Czech Republic, first minted coins in 1519. The Spanish dollar had various other names, such as the pillar dollar or a piece of eight. The name pillar dollar came from the image engraved on the front of the coin, which represented two pillars, the Pillars of Hercules at Gibraltar, draped in a banner. This image may have developed into the dollar sign, the pillars somehow becoming the vertical lines. Other theories about the origin of the symbol $ have been advocated, however. For instance, it may have developed from the letter P, an abbreviation for Spanish peso, plus a small s written beside it to indicate the plural. The Spanish coin was frequently cut like a pie into eight wedge-shaped pieces, hence the name piece of eight. Until recently, this way of making change was reflected in the practice of using quarters and eighths of a dollar in trading on the American stock market. However, American stock markets switched to a decimal system using cents in April 2002. An old slang term for the 25-cent coin is two bits—of apiece of eight, that is—and the coin is still almost always called a quarter in everyday speech. The first US dollar was minted in 1794 and is known as the flowing hair dollar from the image of a man with long flowing hair featured on the coin.

THE £ SYMBOL The pound, also called the pound sterling, is represented by the symbol £. It is an elaboration of an L standing for Latin libra meaning a pound (the unit of weight). Historically, the terms pound and pound sterling originated in medieval times, when a coin called a sterling was the basic monetary unit. The sum of 240 sterlings, which weighed a pound, was known as a pound of sterling, and later a pound. The pound was initially convertible into silver and later into gold. The gold standard was abandoned in 1931. 132

NOTES ON SYMBOLS AND

ABBREVIATIONS

THE # SYMBOL In the us the symbol # before a number means "number," rather like "no.," which is used in both countries. If placed after a number, it means pounds (weight). For example, #3 means "number 3," whereas 3# means "three pounds." This symbol is usually called the pound sign in the US. Many years ago it was known as the tick-tack-toe sign or the number sign. The pound sign is rarely used in Britain, and the British terms for the symbol #, hash, gate, and square, are unknown in the US. The American term pound sign can cause confusion, since this term can refer either to the symbol # or to the symbol f.

PLC/LTD The abbreviation pic stands for Public Limited Company and is often seen at the end of a company's name in the UK. The abbreviation Ltd is also used. These abbreviations have a similar meaning to the abbreviation Inc., often seen at the end of an American company's name. There is usually a comma preceding the letters Inc., but not preceding pic or Ltd.

133

-FÏ

1 4 K-

Miscellaneous Information I have noticed several other differences between British English and American English that either do not fit into any particular category or are more of general interest than any practical use. • Americans will often say "two times" rather than "twice," as in "We saw the show two times." • When spelling a word aloud that has two consecutive identical letters, most Britons will use the word double. For example, to spell canned, Britons will say "c-a-double n-e-d." Most Americans, however, will pronounce each letter separately: "c-a-n-n-e-d." • The date on a form or a letter in Britain is expressed by putting the day, the month, then the year (10 December, 2004). In the US the month comes first, followed by the day and then the year (December 10, 2004). • Hours and minutes are divided by a period in Britain, but by a colon in the US (9:30 a.m. in the US, 9.30 a.m. in the UK).

• To feel sick in British English means to feel nauseated. To express this feeling an American would say he felt sick to his stomach.

134

MISCELLANEOUS

INFORMATION

• The term tarmac is used in the US only when speaking of airport runways. Asphalt or blacktop is the term used for a road surface for automobiles. In the UK, however, tarmac is often used when referring to a road surface as well. • The American and British legal systems are somewhat different. A trial attorney is the rough equivalent of a British barrister. In the US, a person can confer directly with a trial attorney. In Britain, you confer with your solicitor, who in turn confers with your barrister. Since 1970 the term paralegal has been used in the US for someone trained to perform certain legal tasks for a lawyer. An articled clerk performs similar duties in Britain. • In both countries, some words are mainly written but seldom spoken. In the US if you look through the yellow pages for a car rental agency, you will need to look under Automobile Rentals, even though the term car is much more common than automobile. Similarly, a sign at the side of the road might read Next Signal: Rose Street, but in speaking, a person would say "next light." In Britain an equivalent is found in the we sign. The average Briton does not ask where the WC is (although a foreign visitor might). Instead they might ask where the loo is. • In many US colleges, thefirst-yearcourse that introduces a particular is given the course designation number 101, as in Physics 101 or Spanish 101. The term 101 is often used in American speech to indicate a basic course in a jocular sense ("He needs to take Etiquette 101"). • Among the words first used in America that have made their way back to Britain are lasso, moccasin, outlandish, widget, and the extremely common expression OK. • In speech, Americans sometimes specify the country in which well-known cities are located and say Paris, France or Rome, Italy rather than just Paris or Rome. This may be in 135


order to avoid confusion, since many towns in the US have been named after European cities, such as Athens, Georgia. • Some nicknames of American men are not used in Britain, such as Bud, Buzz, Chip, Chuck, Hank, Butch, Randy and Bubba (this last name is especially associated with the South). • Ate: The pronunciation of ate is a little tricky. Americans say this word exactly like eight. In Britain one is taught to pronounce it et. This is confusing, but if you wish to have a command of English wherever you are, it is necessary to change the way you pronounce ate. • The letters PTO for Please Turn Over are often used when writing in Britain. Americans use the words Over or See over, sometimes with an arrow added to reinforce the meaning. The letters NB (from the Latin nota bene, "note well") are often used in Britain, particularly in an instruction manual. • Some expressions that, surprisingly, are used in both countries are not my cup of tea, in your neck of the woods, it cost a pretty penny and penny wise, pound foolish.

136

^ 1 5 KUK—US Lexicon A plus sign (+) after a term indicates that the term is known in both the United Kingdom and the United States. If this sign is on both the US and UK sides, the difference is purely in customary word usage. A plus sign is not used when the entry on the US side of the column is merely a definition or an explanation of the term rather than an American equivalent, since the explanation will be understood on both sides of the Atlantic. Brackets indicate the pronunciation of a word. For a complete guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. An asterisk [*] indicates that further information about a term can be found in Explanations, pages 220-227. A slash [/] separates two different American equivalents of the same British term. The label (colloq.) indicates that the word is used in colloquial speech. An entry of the form "homey (see homey us)" indicates that the word homey is used in one sense in the UK but in another in the US. The reader should consult the US—UK lexicon for the American meaning. All words are nouns unless otherwise indicated. Where confusion may arise the part of speech has been given. In compiling this lexicon I have come across several brand names that are as common as, or more common than, the generic names. Because the brand names may not be understood in the other country, I found it essential to include these words. 137

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

No endorsement is intended—or should be interpreted—by the use of these words.

UK—US Lexicon UK

us

abattoir

packinghouse/slaughterhouse +

abseil [ab-sïl]

rappel

academician

member of an academy (see academician US)

advert

ad +

aerial +

antenna +

aeroplane

airplane

afters (slang)

dessert

aggro (colloq.)

aggravation

agony column

advice column

air-rifle +

BB gun/air gun

airing cupboard*

small closet over the hot-water tank for storing linens

akela (from the name of the leader of the wolf pack in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book)

den mother/adult leader of a pack of Cub Scouts

allotments

community gardens

Alsatian (dog)

German shepherd

amenity tip/dump +

landfill

amongst

among +

anorak

parka +

anticlockwise

counterclockwise

appraisal*

evaluation


I38

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

approved school (obsolete)

school for delinquent children

argy-bargy

a lively or disputatious discussion

arse (vulgar)

ass

articled clerk

paralegal (similar)

articulated lorry

tractor-trailer truck/semi [sem-ï]

assault course (military)

obstacle/confidence course

assessor (insurance)

adjuster

assurance

life insurance

aubergine [oh-ber-zheen]

eggplant

autumn +

fall

badge

pin

bailiff (see bailiff US)

person appointed by a judge to confiscate personal property

Balaclava

ski mask

banana skin

banana peel

banger (dilapidated car)

heap +

banger (firework)

firecracker

banger (food)

sausage +

barmy

nutty + (crazy)

barrister

trial lawyer/trial attorney

barrow

pushcart

bash up

beat up +

basin (bathroom)

sink

bat (table tennis)

paddle

bath

bathtub

bathing costume

swimsuit +

baths

public swimming pool +

batty (slang)

nuts

139

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

UK

us

beach hut

cabana

beak (slang)

magistrate/schoolmaster

beaker

mug + (especially a plastic mug)

bedside table

nightstand

bedsitter

efficiency apartment

beefburger

hamburger +

beetroot

beets

bell-boy +

bellhop

berk (slang)

idiot

besotted

smitten +

bespoke (clothing)

made to order

billion*

a million million (The US billion is a thousand million.)

bin (verb)

toss/pitch

bird (offensive slang)

girl

Biro (brand name)

ballpoint pen +

bish

screwup

Black Maria +

paddy wagon

bleeper

beeper

blighter (slang)

idiot

blind (pull-down)

shade/window shade

blinking (slang)

goddamn

block letters

capital letters +

block of flats

apartment building

bloke (slang)

guy

bloody (slang)

damn

bloomer (mistake)

blooper/boo-boo


140

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

bobby

cop +

boffin (colloq.)

research scientist, egghead (originally World War II slang)

bog (slang)

John (toilet)

bogey (slang)

booger [bû-ger] (colloq.)

boiled sweets

hard candy

boiler (central heating)

furnace

boiler suit

coveralls

bollard*

stanchion/illuminated traffic diverter

bolshy (slang)

ornery

bolt-hole

hideaway +

Bonio (brand of dog biscuit)

Milk-Bone (brand name)

bonnet (on a car)

hood

boob (mistake)

boo-boo (colloq.)

book token

gift certificate for a book

bookstall

newsstand

boot (on a car)

trunk

boot sale

tailgate sale (not common in the US)

booze-up

drinking spree

Borstal

reform school +

bottle (fruit and vegetables) (verb)

can*

bottom drawer

hope chest

bottom of (street or garden)

far end of

bowler hat

derby

braces

suspenders

bracken

a coarse kind of fern, often growing thickly in patches

141


UK

us

brainwave

inspiration/great idea

brass (colloq.)

money

breeze-block

cinder block

bridge-roll

hotdog bun

brilliant (slang)

great/cool

bring up (a child)

raise

broad bean

fava bean [fah-va]

brogues (shoes)

oxfords

brooch

pin

brothel-creepers (slang)

rubber-soled suede shoes

bucket-shop (colloq.)

travel agency selling discount travel tickets (see bucket shop US)

buckshee (slang)

free/for free

budgerigar +

Australian parakeet

builder

owner of a building company/construction worker

building site

construction site +

bulrush

cattail

bum (slang)

butt/fanny/buns

bumbag

fanny pack/belly bag/belt bag

bumf (colloq.)

unwanted papers and documents

bun fight (colloq.)

bash/party

bung (slang verb)

throw

bungalow*

any one-story house

bunk off

play hookey +

bureau

secretary desk

burgle

burglarize

busker

street musician


142

UK-US LEXICON

UK

busy Lizzie (flower)

us impatiens

butter-bean

lima bean [lie-ma]

buttonhole

boutonnière

cack-handed

awkward, clumsy

camp bed

cot

candyfloss

cotton candy

canteen

cafeteria +

car-boot sale

tailgate sale (not common in the US)

car park

parking lot

caravan

trailer/mobile home

caravan site

trailer park

carer

caregiver

carrier bag

tote bag/shopping bag +

carry-cot

baby carrier

cash machine/cash dispenser

ATM (automatic teller machine)

cashier

teller in a bank or post office (cashier in other businesses)

cashpoint

cash machine/ATM

casket

small ornamental box (see casket US)

castor sugar

confectioners' sugar

casualty (hospital)

emergency

catapult +

slingshot

Catherine wheel (firework)

pinwheel

catmint

catnip +

cattle-grid

cattle guard

catwalk (for modeling clothes)

runway

caustic soda

lye

CCF (Combined Cadet Force)

ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps.)

143


UK

us

central reservation

median/median strip

chap

guy*/fellow +

charity shop

thrift shop

chartered accountant

CPA (certified public accountant)

chartered surveyor

licensed surveyor

chat show

talk show

cheeky

nervy/fresh/sassy

cheerio

goodbye

cheers*

thanks/bye

chemist (person)

pharmacist +

chemist (shop)

drugstore/pharmacy +

chick-pea

garbanzo bean

chicory

endive

chipolata

small sausage

chippings

gravel/small stones

chips

French fries/fries

chiwey (verb)

badger/keep after

choc-ice

Klondike (brand name)

chock-a-block full

chock-full

Christian name

first name/given name

Christmas pudding

plum pudding +

chuffed (colloq.)

delighted

CID (Criminal Investigation Department)

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

cigarette end

cigarette butt +

cinema +

movie theater

city centre

downtown


144

UK-US LEXICON

UK

cladding (on a building)

us siding

cling film (plastic food wrap)

Saran Wrap (brand name)

clinker

something admirable or first-rate

cloakroom

restroom/checkroom

clobber (slang)

clothing/equipment

clock (slang)

face

clockwork (of a toy)

wind-up

clod {slang for idiot)

dipstick

(a) close [klohz]

a short dead-end street

cloth-cap (adj.)

blue-collar +

clothes-peg

clothespin

cobble together

patch together +

cockshy

mark aimed at in throwing contests, an object of ridicule

cock-up (noun, slang)

foul-up

codger

old man

cohort

a group of people representing a common cause (see cohort US)

commercial traveller

traveling salesman +

commis waiter

busboy

commissionaire

uniformed doorman

common {adj., of a person)

low-life

common (noun)

public parkland

compère

m.c./master of ceremonies +

concession (when paying for admission)

discount

conjurer

magician +

conk

nose, head

145


UK

us

conkers

buckeyes (similar to horse chestnuts) /horse chestnuts

conscription

draft

constable

police officer

cooker

range/stove +

copper (slang)

cop +

cordial (drink)

nonalcoholic drink made from fruit juice (see cordial US)

coriander

cilantro (refers to leaves only; the seeds are called coriander in the us)

cornflour

cornstarch

corner shop

convenience store

cornet (for ice cream)

cone +

cornfield*

wheat field

cos lettuce [koss]

romaine lettuce

cosh

club +/nightstick

costumier

costumer

cot

crib

cottage hospital

country hospital with no resident doctor

cotton swab

Q-Tip (brand name)

cotton wool

cotton

council estate

public housing project

councillor

councilman

courgette [kor-zhet]

zucchini [zoo-kee-nee]

court shoes

pumps (dress shoes for ladies)

covering letter

cover letter

cow gum

rubber cement


146

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

cowboy (slang)

disreputable workman

crackers (slang)

nuts +

cranky

eccentric (see cranky US)

crash barrier (on a road)

guardrail

cravat

ascot

crayfish +

crawfish

crazy paving*

patchwork paved surface

cream cracker

soda cracker

create (verb, slang)

make a fuss

creek

narrow tidal inlet (see creek US)

creeper

vine

crematorium +

crematory [crée-ma-tory]

crisps

potato chips

crock (colloq.)

worn-out person or thing

crockery

plates and dishes (see crockery US)

crosspatch

grouch +

cruet

small container for condiments at the table (see cruet US)

crush barrier

barricade +

crust (on the end of a loaf)

heel

CS gas

Mace (brand name)

cubicle (toilet)

stall

cupboard +

cabinet

cuppa (slang)

cup of tea

curate

assistant church minister

curate's egg

something with both good and bad qualities

curtains +

drapes/draperies

147


UK

custom (as in / will never give that shop my custom again)

us business, patronage

cutthroat razor

straight razor

cut up (colloq.)

upset/distressed (see cut-up US)

cutlery

flatware/silverware

cutting (newspaper)

clipping +

c.v. (curriculum vitae)

resume (In the US, a c.v. is typically longer than a resume.)

daft

dumb

dandelion-clock

dandelion flower head

death duties

estate taxes

decorator

house painter +

demerara sugar

brown sugar

diary (for appointments)

calendar

diddle (verb)

cheat/swindle

digestive biscuits

graham crackers (similar)

digs (colloq.)

student accommodations (see digs US)

dinner jacket

tuxedo/tux

dish (verb)

ruin, foil, or defeat

dish up

serve

dishy (colloq.)

cute

dismantle +

disassemble

disorientated

disoriented

diversion (on a road)

detour

DIY shop

home improvement store

do up

make over/do over

dodgy

uncertain/risky


148

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

doggo (colloq.)

motionless/uncooperative

dogsbody

gofer

(the) dole

unemployment benefits

domestic science

home economics/home ec +

donkey-work

grunt work

doodah

doodad

dormitory

room used for sleeping (see dormitory US)

dormitory suburb

bedroom suburb

doss-house

flophouse

dotty

nutty + (crazy)

double saucepan

double boiler +

double-barrelled surname

hyphenated last name

down-and-out (noun)

bum

drainpipe +

rainspout/downspout

draper

dry-goods retailer

draughts

checkers

dressing-gown

bathrobe

drink driving

drunk driving

dripping

fat left in the pan after roasting meat

dry goods

foodstuffs (see dry goods US)

duds (slang)

clothes

dumb waiter*

lazy Susan

dummy (for a baby)

pacifier

dustbin

trash can/garbage can

dustbin day

garbage day

dustcart

garbage truck

dustman

garbage collector

Dutch courage

alcohol-induced courage

149


UK

earth wire

us ground wire

eiderdown

comforter

Elastoplast (brand name)

Band-Aid (brand name) +

elevenses

morning tea break

emulsion paint

latex paint

en suite (of a room)

with a bathroom

envisage

envision +

estate agent

realtor*/real-estate agent

estate car

station wagon

evening classes

night school

excess (on insurance)

deductible

expiry date

expiration date

fag (colloq.)

cigarette (see fag US)

faggot

a traditional English meatball made from pork liver, onions, and bread

fairy cake

cupcake +

fancy (colloq.)

feel in the mood for (something)/ be sexually attracted to (a person)

fancy-dress party

costume party

Father Christmas +

Santa Claus +

fender (on a boat) +

bumper

fête [fayt] or [fett]

village fair

film +

movie +

fire (gas/electric)

heater

fire brigade

fire department

fish fingers

fish sticks

fish slice

spatula/pancake turner

fitted carpet

wall-to-wall carpet

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. I5O

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

fixture (sporting)

sporting event +

fizzy drink

pop/soda

flagon (old-fashioned)

jug (see jug UK)

flannel

washcloth/facecloth

flannel (slang)

BS (vulgar slang)/hogwash

flash (colloq.)

showy

flask +

thermos +

flat

apartment/condominium/condo

flatmate

roommate

flat out

all out

flautist

flutist

fleapit

a cheap or squalid cinema/movie theater

flex (electrical)

cord

flick-knife

switchblade

flipping (slang adj.)

darn

flog (slang)

sell

flummox (colloq.)

confuse

flutter (colloq.)

wager

fly-past

flyover

foot-and-mouth disease +

hoof-and-mouth disease

football

soccer (game)/soccer ball

football pitch

football field

football pools

British gambling consortium with the winnings based on the outcome of certain football matches

footer (colloq.)

soccer

footpath

sidewalk/trail

forecourt

area around the gasoline pumps


UK

forthcoming

us upcoming

fortnight

two weeks

foyer +

lobby +

Freephone/Freefone

toll free

freehold

outright ownership of land

French pleat (hairstyle)

French twist/French roll

fringe (hair)

bangs

frock

dress +

frog-spawn

frogs' eggs

frowsty

having a stale smell/musty

fruit machine

slot machine

rug

stuffy or smoky atmosphere

full marks

full or due credit or praise

full stop (punctuation)

period

further education

continuing education

gammy (leg)

game/injured

garden +

yard*

gasometer

gas-storage facility

gawp (verb)

rubberneck

gazump (colloq.)

raise the price of real estate after having accepted an offer

gin (alternative meaning)

trap (see gin US)

ginger-nut

gingersnap

girl guide

Girl Scout

git (noun, slang)

jerk

golden handshake

retirement present (for long service)

good books

good graces

goods lift

freight elevator


152

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

goose-pimples/goose-flesh

goose bumps +

goosegogs (colloq.)

gooseberries

granny flat

mother-in-law apartment

greaseproof paper

wax paper

green card

motorists' international insurance document (see green card\5S)

green fingers

green thumb +

greengage

green plum

greengroceries

produce [prô-doos]

greenkeeper

greenskeeper

greens (slang)

vegetables

grill +

broil*

grotty (slang)

scuzzy +

ground floor

first floor

group litigation order (legal term)

class-action suit

guide dog

Seeing Eye dog

gum-shield

mouth guard

guttering

gutters +

gymkhana

horse show

hair slide

barrette

half-moon glasses

half glasses

handbag +

purse/pocket book

hard graft

laborious work

hardback (book)

hardcover

hash (#)

pound sign

hassock

kneeler/church kneeling cushion (see hassock US)

hatch (in a house)

pass-through

153


U.K

us

haulier

person or firm that moves things/hauler +

head waiter

maître d'

headmaster/headmistress +

principal

heath

open parkland

hedgerow

row of bushes forming a long hedge

hen party

girls' night out

hessian

burlap

het up

agitated

hide (for animal watchers)

blind

hip bag

belt bag

hire* (verb)

rent

hire purchase, buy on (verb)

make payments/installments on

hive off

separate from/break away from

hoarding

billboard +

hob

range top/stove top

holiday*

vacation

holiday-maker

vacationer

homely*

homey (see homely US)

hooter (slang)

nose (see hooters US)

Hoover (brand name)

vacuum +

horse blinkers

horse blinders

horsebox

horse trailer

horse riding

horseback riding

hot flush

hot flash

hotchpotch

hodgepodge

house builder

homebuilder


154

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

house-trained

housebroken

housing estate

subdivision

the hump

depression, an emotional slump

ice lolly

Popsicle (brand name)

icing +*

frosting

identity/identification parade

line up +

immersion heater

hot water heater (electric)

indicator (on a car)

turn signal

inheritance tax

estate tax

Inland Revenue

Internal Revenue Service (1RS)

insect +

bug +

inverted commas

quotation marks +

invigilator (at university exams)

proctor (see proctor UK)

ironmonger

hardware dealer

jam jar

jelly jar

jammy (colloq.)

lucky

jelly

Jell-O (brand name)

jemmy

jimmy

jiggery-pokery (colloq.)

trickery

jim-jams (colloq.)

jammies

jobber

a middleman in the exchange of stocks and securities among brokers

Jobcentre

employment office

Joe Bloggs

Joe Blow

joiner

cabinetmaker

joint

roast +

jollies (colloq.)

laughs/kicks

judder

vibrate and shake

155


UK

us

j u g* jumble sale

pitcher

jumper

sweater +

kerfuffle

commotion

kettle +

teakettle

key money

a month's rent plus deposit

kieselguhr

diatomaceous earth +

kiosk +

concession stand

kip (colloq.)

sleep

kirby-grip (originally the brand name Kirbigrip)

bobby pin

knacker

someone who buys old horses for slaughter

knacker s yard (colloq.)

glue factory

knackered (slang)

beat/exhausted

knickerbockers

knickers

knickers

panties

knock up* (colloq.)

wake up/warm up (in tennis)/put together (see knock up US)

knocking-off time

quitting time

labour exchange (now Jobcentre)

employment office

ladder (in stockings)

run

ladybird

ladybug

larder

pantry +

lashings of (colloq.)

gobs of

launderette

laundromat

lavatory +

bathroom/rest room

rummage sale +


I56

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

lead (electrical)

cord

lead (for a dog) +

leash +

leading article

editorial

lean-to

a building with a sloping roof abutting a larger building (see lean-to US)

leasehold property

property that may be bought and sold but is ultimately owned by another party

leery (glance)

sly/knowing (see leery US)

let (property)

lease/rent out

letter-box

mailbox/mail drop

Liberty (humans rights organization)

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)

lido

public outdoor swimming pool

lifebelt/lifebuoy

life preserver

lift

elevator

lightning-conductor

lightning rod

Lilo [lie-low] (brand name)

air mattress +

lino [lie-noh] (colloq.)

linoleum (originally a brand name)

lipsalve

Chap Stick (brand name)/lip balm

listed building

historic building

litter bin

trash can

Little Bear (constellation)

Little Dipper

liver sausage

liverwurst

local authority

city/county (similar but not an exactly equivalent level of government)

lodger

boarder/roomer

157


UK

us

loft

attic +

lollipop +

sucker (for children)

long-sighted

farsighted

loo (slang)

John

loud-hailer

bullhorn

lounge

family room

lounge suit

business suit +

lovebite

hickey

lucerne

alfalfa +

lucky dip

grab bag

luv (slang term of endearment)

hon [hun]

mac/mackintosh

raincoat

mad (hip slang)

rad

Madeira cake

pound cake

mailshot

flier (sent through the mail), mass mailing

main course (in a restaurant)

entrée

mains*

main

maisonette

an apartment with a private front door accessible from the exterior (usually in a two-story apartment complex)

maize

corn +

manager (in business)

vice president

managing director (in business)

president/CEO

mange-tout [mahnzhtoo]

snow peas +

market gardener

truck farmer


I58

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

marks (in school)

grades

marquee*

large tent (see marquee US)

marrow

large zucchini

mate (colloq.)

man/bud

maths

math

me (colloq.)

my

mean

stingy (see mean US)

measuring jug

measuring cup +

Meccano set (brand name)

Erector set (brand name)

megaphone

bullhorn

mercy flight

medevac flight

methylated spirits/meths

denatured alcohol

milk churn

milk can

milk float

milk delivery truck

minced meat

ground meat

mincer

meat grinder

mind (verb)

watch for/look out for

Mind the Gap! (sign and automated announcement in the London Underground subway system)

Watch your step! (when exiting or boarding the train)

mobile (phone)

cell (phone)

momentarily

for a moment (see momentarily US)

mortise lock

dead bolt

mount (around a picture)

mat

mouth organ

harmonica +

mozzie {slang for mosquito)

skeeter {slang, regional South)

muck about (colloq.)

cut up

muck in (colloq.)

pitch in

159


UK

us

mudguard

fender

mug up

bone up

multi-storey car park

parking garage

mum

mom

music hall

vaudeville

musical box

music box

mutt (slang)

dog (see mutt US)

NAAFI (Navy, Army, and Airforce Institutes)

PX (Post Exchange) (similar organization)

naff

unstylish, outmoded, worthless

nail varnish

nail polish +

nappy

diaper

narkey (slang)

irritable

natty

spifry

navvy

laborer on a public project

neat (of a drink)

straight

nervy

nervous (see nervy US)

net curtains

sheer curtains/sheers

New Year's Eve

New Year s (colloq.)

newsagent

newspaper store/newsstand +

newsreader

newscaster

nick (slang)

steal

nightdress

nightgown

nil

zip/zero +

nipper (colloq.)

kid/young shaver

Nissen hut (trademark)

Quonset hut (trademark)

nod (colloq.)

big shot


160

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

noddle

noodle +

normal/usual +

regular

nosey parker (slang)

busybody

nosh up (slang)

feast

note (currency)

bill

notice-board

bulletin board

noughts and crosses

tic-tac-toe

number-plate

license plate

o.n.o. (or near offer)

o.b.o. (or best offer)

OAP (old age pensioner)

senior citizen +

oblique (the/symbol)

slash +

off-licence

liquor store

off-putting

deterring

oik

hood/lout +

old age pension

Social Security (see social security UK)

one-off

custom-made

ordinary shares

common stock

outhouse

shed near or next to a house (see outhouse US)

outsize

extra-large +

overspill

movement of people from overcrowded cities to less populated areas

overtake (a car on a road) +

pass +

P&P (postage and packing)

S&H (shipping and handling)

P.T.O. (please turn over)

(over)

pack (of cards) +

deck

paddle (walk through shallow water)

wade +

161


UK

us

paddling pool

wading pool

palaver [ps-lah-ver]

commotion

panda car

police cruiser

pantomime

theatrical Christmas performance (see pantomime US)

paper round

paper route

paraffin

kerosene

paralytic (slang)

wasted/very drunk

parky (regional North)

chilly

parting (in hair)

part

patience (card game)

solitaire (see solitaire UK)

pavement

sidewalk (see pavement US)

pavilion (alternative meaning)

main building on a sports field

paving-stone

concrete slab/paver

pawky

shrewd and cunning, often in a humorous manner

peaky

peaked [pee-kid]

pebble-dash

pebble-coated stucco

peckish (colloq.)

hungry

pelmet

valance (see valance UK)

pelt down (with rain)

bucket down

pen-friend

pen pal

penny-farthing (type of bicycle)

high wheeler

pensioner

senior citizen +

Perspex (brand name)

Plexiglas (brand name)

petrol

gas/gasoline

phonograph

early phonograph using cylinders (see phonograph US)


l62

UK-US LEXICON

UK

US

physiotherapist

physical therapist

Pianola (brand name)

player piano

(the) pictures

movies

piffle

nonsense/garbage

pillar-box

mailbox

pin

straight pin (in New England a common pin)

pinafore dress

jumper

pinch (slang)

steal

pip

seed/pit (in fruit)

pissed (vulgar slang)

drunk (see pissed US)

pitch (sporting term)

field +

pith

pulp

plait

braid

planning permission

permit

plaster (for a wound)

Band-Aid (brand name) +

Plasticine (brand name)

Play-Doh (brand name)

play up

act up +

plimsolls

canvas sneakers

plonk (slang)

cheap wine

plot +

lot +

Plough (constellation)

Big Dipper

pneumatic drill +

jackhammer

podgy

pudgy

point (to add mortar to brickwork)

tuck-point

polisher (electric)

buffer

polo-neck

turtleneck

Polyfilla (brand name)

Spackle (brand name) 163


UK

us

polystyrene

Styrofoam (brand name)

pong

stink +

pontoon (card game)

blackjack +

poppet

dear, darling

porridge

oatmeal (cooked)

post +*

mail +

post-mortem +

autopsy +

postcode

Zip Code

postie

mailman/postman

pot plant

potted plant/houseplant

potholer

spelunker (cave explorer)

potter (around)

putter

pouffe

hassock/ottoman

power point

electrical outlet

pram/perambulator

baby carriage/stroller

prat

fool

prawns +

shrimp +

prefect (in a school)

monitor +

presently

soon +

press-studs

snaps (fasteners)

press-ups

pushups +

primary school

grammar school/grade school

prise open

pry open

prison warder

corrections officer

proctor

disciplinary officer at a university (see proctor US)

produce [prod-yoos]

all agricultural products (see produce US)


164

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

propelling pencil

mechanical pencil

property

real estate

prospectus

brochure {prospectus is only used for finances in the US)

proud (as in proud flesh)

projecting slightly above, swollen, overgrown

pub

bar +

public prosecutor

district attorney/DA

public telephone box

pay phone +

public transport

public transportation

pudding basin

pudding bowl +

pumps

canvas sneakers

puncture

flat (tire)

punnet

container for fruit or vegetables

punter

customer/someone who bets on horses/prostitute's client

purse

change purse

push-bike

bicycle +

pushchair

stroller

put-you-up

sofa bed/Hide-A-Bed (brand name)

pylon

high-tension tower

quay [kee]

wharf+

query (verb)

question

queue up

line up

quid (slang)

pound (money)

quieten down

quiet down

rabbit on (verb, colloq.)

rattle on +

racecourse +

racetrack

rag (verb, colloq.)

165


UK

us

rag (noun)

newspaper

railway

railroad

ramble

hike +

randy (slang)

frisky/sexually aroused

rasher

slice of bacon +

rates

property taxes

ratty (colloq.)

irritable (see ratty US)

redcap (colloq.)

MP (a member of the military police) (see redcap US)

redundancies

layoffs

reef-knot

square knot

reel of cotton

spool of thread

registrar (legal and university)

senior administrative officer

removal van

moving van

retirement pension

Social Security

return ticket

round-trip ticket

reverse-charge call

collect call

ride-on mower

riding mower

ring up (phone)

call

rise (in pay)

raise

road surface +

pavement

rock/seaside rock

stick candy

rockery

rock garden

roomer

lodger

rota

roster +

round (delivery)

route

roundabout (for children)

merry-go-round


166

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

roundabout (traffic)

traffic circle/rotary (New England)

rowlock [rô-lôk]

oarlock

royal (slang adj.)

fabulous +

RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)/ SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

rubber

eraser

rubbish

garbage/trash

Rubbish!

Nonsense!

ruddy (slang adj.)

darn

rug (light blanket)*

throw

rumbustious

rambunctious

rumpus +

ruckus

runner beans

string beans

sack (verb)

fire/can

saddle (on a bicycle)

seat

(on) sale*

for sale

saleroom

salesroom

sales talk

sales pitch

saloon bar

lounge bar +

salt beef

corned beef

sandpit

sandbox

sandwich-cake

layer cake

sanitary towel

sanitary napkin

sapper

British soldier specializing in rebuilding destroyed structures

saucy

impudent/sassy

scarper

run away

167


UK

scatty

us scatterbrained

scheme (financial)

plan +

scone

biscuit

screw

salary, wages

scribbling block

scratch paper

scrum

scrimmage (in sports); confusion

scrump (verb)

steal fruit off trees

scrumpy

locally made, rough hard cider (contains alcohol)

scullery

room off a kitchen for washing dishes

scupper

ruin, destroy

seaside

beach +

secateurs

pruners/pruning shears

secondary glazing

storm window

self-raising flour

self-rising flour

Sellotape (brand name)

Scotch tape (brand name)

semi-detached (house)

duplex* (similar)

semolina

Cream of Wheat (brand name)

send up

imitate/ridicule

service flats

apartment hotel

serviette

napkin +

settee +

couch/sofa +

shambolic

in a shambles/disorderly/chaotic

shandy

a drink that is half beer and half lemonade

sheltered accommodation

assisted-living facility/ALF

sheriff

a person who performs public duties similar to a mayor (see sheriff US)


168

UK-US LEXICON

UK

shin-pad

us shin guard

shin up +

shinny up

shingle*

beach pebbles (see shingle US)

shirty

irritable

shoeblack

bootblack

shop (colloq.)

turn in to the authorities

shop assistant

salesperson

shop steward

labor union representative

shopping centre +

mall*

shopping trolley

shopping cart

shop-soiled merchandise

display merchandise

short-sighted (vision)

nearsighted

sideboards

sideburns +

sidesman

usher (in a church)

simnel

Easter fruitcake with marzipan

single ticket

one-way ticket

singlet

men's sleeveless undershirt

skint {slang, as in I'm skint)

broke +

skip (noun)

Dumpster (brand name)

skip (verb)

jump rope

skipping-rope (noun)

jump rope

skirting-board

baseboard

skive off (verb)

play hookey +

skivvy

female servant performing menial tasks

slate (colloq.)

criticize (see slate US)

sleeping partner

silent partner

slice/fish slice


169


UK

us

slim (verb)

slim down/diet +

Sloanes/Sloane Rangers (slang)

yuppies (usually Londoners)

slops

cheap, ready-made garments

slot machine

vending machine + (see slot machine US)

small print +

fine print +

smalls (colloq.)

underwear

smashing

awesome/cool/neat

snakes and ladders (game)

Chutes and Ladders (brand name)

sneak (noun)

tattle-tale

snip (noun)

bargain/deal

snog (slang)

kiss amorously

snuggery

snug position or place

social security

welfare (see Social Security US)

sod (vulgar)

son of a bitch

soft drink +

soda/pop/tonic (in Boston)/Coke (in the South)

soil +

dirt

solicitor

lawyer/attorney

solitaire

peg solitaire (see solitaire US)

soppy

sappy

sorbet [sor-bay] +

sherbet +

sort code

routing number

sous chef

commis chef

soya beans

soybeans

spanner

wrench +

speciality

specialty


I7O

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

spectacles +

glasses +/eyeglasses

spitting (rain)

sprinkling +

spiv

small-time operator/shyster

spod

someone who spends an inordinate amount of time in computer chatrooms, newsgroups, or bulletin boards

sponge bag

toilet bag

sports jacket

sport coat

spot of

small amount of

spring onion

green onion/scallion

squash (orange)

fruit concentrate mixed with water

stabilisers (on a child's bike)

training wheels

Stanley knife (brand name)

utility knife

state school

public school

STD (subscriber trunk dialling)

long distance (see STD US)

stick beans

pole beans

sticker +

decal [dee-cal] or [de-cal]

still (of a beverage)

noncarbonated

stirrer (colloq.)

troublemaker

stockings +

hose

stockist

commercial retailer or wholesaler that stocks merchandise

stone (in fruit)

pit

stone (unit of weight)

fourteen pounds

stopover +

layover

straight away

immediately +

stream

course of study to which students are tracked

171


UK

us

Strimmer (brand of grass trimmer)

Weed Whacker (brand name)

stroke (the / symbol)

slash +

stroppy

easily offended or annoyed, ill-tempered or belligerent

stuffing +

dressing

subsidence (in the ground)

depression/settling

subway

underpass

sultanas

white or golden raisins

summer time

daylight-saving time

sundowner

drink taken at sundown

superannuation

pension plan

supply teacher

substitute teacher

surgery

room where a doctor sees his patients

surname +

last name +

survey (verb)

inspect and determine the structural condition of (a building)

suspenders

garters

suss out (colloq.)

scope out/figure out

swallow dive

swan dive

swan

travel around from place to place

swede

rutabaga [roo-ta-ba-gs]

sweet

dessert +

sweets

candy

swipe (slang)

steal

swish (colloq.)

fancy/elaborate

Swiss roll

jelly roll


172

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

swizz

scam/disappointment

swot up (on)

bone up on/study up on

ta (slang)

thanks

ta-ta (slang)

goodbye

table (verb)

bring forward for discussion at a meeting (see table US)

take-away (food)

takeout

tap

faucet

tarmac (on a road)

blacktop

tart (vulgar slang)

female prostitute/hooker (vulgar slang)

teatime

late afternoon

tea towel

dishtowel/kitchen towel

teat (on a baby's bottle)

nipple

telegraph pole

telephone pole

tell-tale (noun, adj.)

tattletale

telly (slang)

TV +

terraced house

row house

terraces (at a sporting event)

stands +

third-party insurance

liability insurance

tick off

reprimand (see tick off US)

tick over

idle/operate at a minimal level

tick (noun)

check mark

tick (verb)

check

tiffin

meal at midday, a luncheon

tights

pantyhose

till -H

cash register +

timber

lumber

173


UK

tin

us can

tin-opener

can opener +

tip

dump +

Tippex (brand name)

Wite-Out (brand name)

tit (bird)

chickadee

titbit

tidbit

toady (colloq.)

brownnoser (vulgar)

toboggan*

sled

toerag

jerk

toffee apple

candy apple

toffee-nosed (slang)

stuck-up

togs (colloq.)

clothes

toilet

rest room/bathroom/mens room/ women's room

tombola

ticket lottery held at a fair

top up (for a drink)

top off/freshen

torch

flashlight

tortoiseshell cat

calico cat (similar)

tot up

add up +

tout (noun)

scalper

towards +

toward

tower block

high-rise +

trading estate

industrial park

traffic fine

ticket

traffic warden

parking enforcement officer

trainers

sneakers

tram

streetcar

tramp +

bum/hobo


174

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

transfer +

decal [dee-cal]

trapezium

trapezoid

trapezoid

trapezium

travelling party

progressive dinner

treacle

molasses

tread in (dirt)

track in

tread on +

step on +

trilby (hat)

fedora

tripper

someone taking a short pleasure trip

trolley

cart

trousers +

pants +

trug

a shallow gardening basket

truncheon

billy club/nightstick

trunk + (large suitcase)

steamer trunk

tube (train)

subway

tuck in (to food)

dig in +

tumble-drier

dryer

turf+

sod +

turn-ups (on trousers)

cuffs

turnip-tops

turnip greens

turtle-neck

crew neck

twee

excessively dainty

twice +

two times

twig (colloq.)

catch on/realize

twister (colloq.)

swindler (see twister US)

tyre lever +

tire wrench/tire iron

undercarriage (on a plane)

landing gear

undercut (a cut of meat)

beef tenderloin, fillet

175


UK

underground (train)

us subway

unit trust (financial)

mutual fund

upfield (in sports)

downfield

upmarket

upscale

valance (on a bed)

dust ruffle/bed skirt (see valance US)

valet (a car) (verb)

detail

valuer

appraiser*

valves (electronic)

tubes

verge (on a road)

shoulder +/side median

vest

undershirt

veterinary surgeon*

veterinarian

vicar

minister +

video

VCR/videotape

visiting card

calling card

voluntary work

volunteer work

VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas)

Peace Corps

waistcoat

vest

walking-stick +

cane

warder

prison officer/guard

wash up

wash the dishes (see wash up US)

water biscuit

soda cracker

water pistol +

squirt gun

way out (on a sign)

exit

we

restroom

weatherboard

clapboard

wedding ring +

wedding band


I76

UK-US LEXICON

UK

us

weir (in a river)

low dam

Wellingtons

rubber boots +

wet (colloq.)

sappy

whacked (slang)

whipped/beat

whacking (slang)

very large

whilst

while +

whinge (verb, slang)

bitch

whip-round

collection (usually in an office)

white goods

household appliances

white horses (on waves)

whitecaps

white spirit

liquid solvent

wind (flatulence)

gas

wind [wind] (verb)

burp (a baby)

windcheater

windbreaker

Windowlene (brand name)

Windex (brand name)

windscreen

windshield

winkle out (verb)

pry out

witness box

witness stand

wodge

a large amount of something

wonky (colloq.)

unstable

woolly

sweater +

yard*

paved area around a house (see yard US)

yeti

Bigfoot (similar)

yob/yobbo

hood/lout +

zebra crossing [ze-bra]

crosswalk/pedestrian crossing +

zip (noun)

zipper

177

^ 16 ^ US— UK Lexicon A plus sign [+] after a term indicates that the term is known in both the United Kingdom and the United States. If this sign is on both the US and UK sides, the difference is purely in customary word usage. A plus sign is not used when the entry on the UK side of the column is merely a definition or an explanation of the term rather an American equivalent, since the explanation will be understood on both sides of the Atlantic. Brackets indicate the pronunciation of a word. For a complete guide to pronunciation symbols, see page vi. An asterisk [*] indicates that further information about a term can be found in Explanations, pages 220—227. A slash [/] separates two different British equivalents of the same American term. The label (colloq.) indicates that the word is colloquial. Many Americans may not be familiar with all the slang or colloquial words listed. An entry of the form "crockery (see crockery UK)" indicates that the word crockery is used in one sense in the US but in another in the UK. The reader should consult the UK—US lexicon for the British meaning. All words are nouns unless otherwise indicated. Where confusion may arise the part of speech has been given. In compiling this lexicon I have come across several brand names that are as common as, or more common than, the generic names. Because the brand names may not be understood 178

US-UK LEXICON

in the other country, I found it essential to include these words. No endorsement is intended—or should be interpreted—by the use of these words.

US— UK Lexicon us

UK

academician

an academic (see academician UK)

accommodations

accommodation

ace {verb, colloq.)

defeat an opponent

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)

Liberty (a similar organization)

adjuster (insurance)

assessor

adobe [a-doh-bee]

brick made from mud and straw

afghan

crocheted or knitted blanket or shawl

airplane

aeroplane

ALF (Assisted Living Facility)

sheltered accommodation

alfalfa +

lucerne

alternate [alt-er-net] (adj.)

substitute +

Amtrak (stands for American Travel by Track)

American passenger-train system

antebellum

pre-Civil War (1861)

antenna +

aerial +

antsy (slang)

restless/agitated

anyplace (colloq.)

anywhere

anyways (colloq.)

anyway

apartment (for rent)

flat (to let)

apartment building

block of flats

apartment hotel

service flats


179


US

UK

applejack

liquor distilled from fermented cider

appraisal*

valuation

armoire

large, ornate wardrobe

ascot

cravat

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)/SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)


ATM (automatic teller machine)

cash machine/cash dispenser

attaboy (noun, slang)

commendation

attitude (slang)

uncooperative disposition

attorney

lawyer +/solicitor/barrister

autopsy +

post-mortem +

auxiliary (alternative meaning)

an organization of volunteers

awesome (hip slang)

mad/brilliant

baby carriage

pram/perambulator

back talk

backchat

badmouth

criticize someone

bag lady

female tramp

bailiff

person who keeps order in a courtroom (see bailiff UK)

baloney (slang)

codswallop

banana peel

banana skin

bangs (on hair)

fringe

bankroll (verb)

give financial support

banner (year)

outstanding

barber +

men's hairdresser +


180

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

barf (slang)

vomit

barrel along (colloq.)

belt along

barrette

hair slide

barrio (colloq.)

Spanish-speaking district of a town

baseboard

skirting board

bassinet

crib

bathtub

bath

bathrobe

dressing gown

bathroom (in a public building)

toilet/lavatory

bayou (regional South)

marshy inlet

BB gun/air gun

air rifle +

beat (slang)

whacked

bedroom suburb

dormitory suburb

bee (as in spelling bee)

a meeting held to work or compete with others

beeper

bleeper

beets

beetroot

bellhop

bell-boy +

belt bag

bumbag

benefits (job)

health insurance/pension

Big Dipper (constellation)

Plough

bikini*

men's or women's brief swimsuit

billboard +

hoarding

billfold

notecase/wallet

bills (currency)

notes

billy club/nightstick

truncheon

birder

bird-watcher +

biscuit (the kind served with gravy) (a quickbread similar to a) scone 181

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

US

UK

bitch (verb, slang)

whinge

blacktop (on a road)

tarmac

blah

drab

bleachers

terraces/stands +

blind (for animal watchers)

hide

block

the distance between streets in a city

block party

neighborhood party with the street closed to traffic

blooper (mistake)

bloomer

blotter

report of police arrests

blowout (alternative meaning)*

a big party

boarder +

lodger

boardwalk

wooden walkway

bobby pin

flat hairpin

bodacious (colloq.)

outstanding

bombed (colloq.)

failed +

bone up on

swot up (on)

bone wrench

box spanner

boo-boo {colloq., for mistake)

boob

booger [bu-ger] (colloq.)

bogey (slang)

boondocks/boonies (slang)

the back of beyond

boot camp

military-style basic training camp

bootblack

shoeblack

box cutter

a thin type of Stanley knife

braid (hair)

plait

branch water

plain water (not carbonated)

break (colloq.)

reduction/discount

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. l82

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

break down (alternative meaning) give in/relent breeze (an easy task)

cinch +

breezeway

covered outdoor passageway

brochure (for institutions)

prospectus

broil*

grill +

brown-bagger

someone who takes a homemade lunch to work

brownstone

a terraced house, fronted with sandstone

bubbler (regional North)

drinking fountain +

buck (colloq.)

dollar

bucket shop (colloq.)

disreputable high-pressure brokerage firm (see bucket-shop UK)

buckeyes (seeds of trees like the horse-chestnut)

conkers

buffalo (colloq.)

confuse someone for gain

buffer (electric)

polisher

bug +

insect +

building site

vacant lot for building on (see building site \J¥L)

bulletin board

notice-board

bullhorn

loud-hailer

bum

tramp

bum {adj., colloq. as in bum leg, bum steer)

bad

bumper (on a boat)

fender +

bunch of

heap of

bungalow*

small, plain one-storey house

buns (slang)

bum

burbs (slang)

suburbs 183


US

UK

bureau

chest of drawers

burglarize

burgle

burlap

hessian

burro

donkey used as a pack animal

busboy/busser

waiters assistant/commis waiter

bushed

knackered

business suit +

lounge suit

busted (slang)

broken +

butt (slang)

bum (slang)

button* (with a message)

badge

buzz saw

circular saw

cabana

beach hut

cabinet

cupboard +

cabinetmaker

joiner

café

coffee-shop/nightclub

Cajun

pertaining to the people of southern Louisiana who came from Acadia

calendar (for appointments)

diary

calico cat

tortoiseshell cat (similar)

call (phone) +

ring up

calling card

visiting card

calliope [ka-lie«ow-pee]

steam organ

can (metal container)

tin

can (toilet)

loo

can (verb, slang)

sack

can opener +

tin-opener

can* (in a Mason jar) (verb)

bottle (in a Kilner jar)

candy

sweets


184

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

candy apple

toffee apple

candy striper

young volunteer in a hospital

cane

walking-stick

card (someone) (verb)

check someone's age by means of an ID card

caregiver

carer

carnival

funfair

cart (that is pushed)

trolley

cash wrap

counter (in a shop)

casket

coffin + (see casket UK)

cathouse (vulgar slang)

brothel

catnip

catmint

cattail

bulrush +

cattle guard

cattle-grid

catty-corner/kitty-corner

diagonally across

CD (certificate of deposit)

savings certificate

cell phone

mobile phone

CEO (chief executive officer)

managing director

chalkboard

blackboard +

change purse

purse

chaparral (regional Southwest)

tangled brushwood

Chap Stick (brand name)

lipsalve

charley horse

cramp (in a limb)

licensed surveyor

chartered surveyor

check (in a restaurant)

bill

check mark (noun)

tick

check (verb)

tick

checker

cashier in a supermarket

checkers

draughts

185

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

US

UK

checkroom

cloakroom

cherry picker (colloq.)

hydraulic boom on a truck that raises a person in the air

chew out (colloq.)

scold/reprimand

chickadee

tit (bird)

chigger

harvest mite

chinook [shi-nuk]

a warm dry wind on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains/a warm moist wind blowing in from the sea in the Northwest of the US

chipper

chirpy

chopper (colloq.) +

helicopter

Chutes and Ladders (game)

snakes and ladders

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) espionage bureau cilantro (refers to leaves only; the seeds are called coriander)

coriander

cinder block

breeze-block

circular file (slang)

waste-paper basket

clapboard

weatherboard

class-action suit (legal term)

group litigation order

clear across (colloq.)

all the way across

clinker

failure

Clorox (brand name)

bleach +

closet

cupboard +

clothespin

clothes-peg

clunker (colloq.)

old bomb

co-ed (colloq.)

female undergraduate at an educational institution for both men and women


186

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

coffee (colloq.)

social gathering where coffee is served

coffee klatsch

coffee group +

cohort

colleague/supporter (see cohort UK)

college (as in phrase in college)

university or other college

Colonial

pertaining to the period when Britain ruled the original 13 colonies

comédie (evoking laughter)

comical +

comforter

eiderdown

commissary (military)

general store

commode (colloq.)

toilet

complected

complexioned

concertmaster

leading first violin player

concession stand

snack bar/kiosk +

condominium*/condo

flat

confidence course (military)

assault course

continuing education

further education

convenience store +

corner shop

cookout

barbecue party

cool* (slang)

super/brilliant

cooler

insulated box for keeping food cool

cordial (drink)

liqueur (see cordial UK)

corn (the grain)

maize

corn dog

batter-covered hot dog on a stick

corned beef

salt beef

cornstarch

cornflour

corrections officer

prison warder

costume party

fancy-dress party

187


US

UK

costumer

costumier

cot

camp-bed

cotton

cotton wool

cotton candy

candyfloss

coulee (regional West)

deep ravine

councilman

councillor

counterclockwise

anticlockwise

cover letter

covering letter

coveralls

boiler suit

coyote [kie-oh-tee]

wild wolflike animal

CPA (certified public accountant)

chartered accountant

crack (verb, colloq.)*

open slightly (window or door)

cranky

irritable (see cranky UK)

crawfish

crayfish +

crazy bone (regional)

funny-bone +

crazy quilt*

patchwork quilt

cream (slang)

smash up/beat up

Cream of Wheat (brand name)

semolina

creamer

cream jug

creek

stream (see creek UK)

crew neck

turtle-neck

crib

cot (see cot US)

critter

a wild animal

crockery (see crockery UK)

earthenware pots

crosswalk

pedestrian crossing +

crotch (body part) +

crutch

crud (slang)

grime +


188

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

cruet

glass bottle for vinegar (see cruet UK)

cuffs (on pants)

turn-ups

cuss (slang)

swear/curse +

cut up (noun, colloq.)

joker/buffoon

cut up (verb, colloq.)

muck about (see cut up UK)

DA

district attorney

dandy

super/exceptional

davenport

large sofa

daylight-saving time

summer time

DC

Washington, DC

deadbeat

someone who is always in debt

dead-bolt

mortise lock

deadhead (verb)

to travel without a payload

debark

disembark +

decal [dee-cal] or [dee-cal]

transfer/sticker +

deck (of a house or building)

paved area or wooden platform adjacent to a house or building

deck (of cards)

pack

deductible (insurance)

excess

den mother

akela [ah-kehrb]/Cub Scout leader

denatured alcohol

methylated spirits/meths

deputy/deputy sheriff

county police officer

derby (rhymes with herby in the US)

bowler hat

desk clerk

receptionist

dessert +

pudding/sweet

detail (a car) (verb)

valet

detour

diversion

189


US

UK

diaper [die-per]

nappy

diatomaceous earth +

kieselguhr

dicker

haggle/bargain

diddle around (colloq.)

fiddle around/waste time

digs (colloq.)

accommodation (see digs UK)

dirt (as in a yard)

soil +

dis (verb, hip slang)

disrespect/snub

disassemble*

dismantle +

discombobulated (slang)

disconcerted

dishtowel

tea towel

dishpan

washing-up bowl

dishrag

dishcloth +

disoriented

disorientated

district attorney/DA

public prosecutor

ditsy (colloq.)/ditzy

muddleheaded

docent

guide in a museum/lecturer

dog (colloq.)

nasty person

dog tag

soldiers identification tag

doghouse

kennel +

doodad

doodah

doohickey

small mechanical object

(a) doozie (slang)

something outstanding or overwhelming

dork (slang)

idiot

dormitory

building used for sleeping (see dormitory UK)

double date

date on which two couples go out for enjoyment together


I9O

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

double header

two games played back to back

double saucepan

double boiler

down spout

drainpipe +

(a) downer

something depressing

downfield (in sports)

upfield

downtown

city centre

draft (as in draft dodger)

conscription

drag (verb, colloq.)

race cars, as in a drag race

drapes/draperies *

curtains

dresser

chest of drawers

dressing (food)

stuffing +

drool +

slobber +

drugstore

chemist/pharmacy +

drunk driving

drink driving

dry goods

fabrics and clothing (see dry goods UK)

dude ranch

cattle ranch for holiday-makers

dumb (slang)

daft

dummy

twit

Dumpster (brand name)

skip

duplex*

semi-detached house

dust ruffle

valance (see valance US)

eavestrough (regional North)

gutter +

Ebonics (from the words ebony and phonics)

any of the varieties of English spoken by many African-American communities in the US

editorial

leading article

efficiency apartment

bedsitter/bedsit

eggplant

aubergine [oh-ber-zheen]

elevator

lift

191


US

UK

emergency (room in hospital)

A and E/Accident and Emergency

endive

chicory

english (on a pool ball) (regional) sidespin envision +

envisage

eraser

rubber

Erector set (brand name)

Meccano set (brand name)

evaluation

appraisal*

exclamation point (punctuation)

exclamation mark

expiration date

expiry date

eye candy (slang)

something or someone visually appealing

eyeglasses

spectacles/glasses +

facecloth

flannel

facility

building built for a specific purpose

factor in (verb)

take into account

fall

autumn +

family room

lounge

fanny (slang)

bum (slang)

fanny pack (colloq.)

bumbag

farsighted

long-sighted

faucet

tap

fava bean [fah-va]

broad bean

favor {verb, regional South)

to look like +

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

CID (Criminal Investigation Department)

fedora (hat)

trilby

felony

arrestable offense (similar though not exactly the same)


192

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

fever blister

cold sore +

fifth

a bottle of liquor, formerly containing a fifth of a gallon (757 ml) but now often containing 750 ml

figure (verb)

think/reckon

fill out (a form) +

fill in

fine print +

small print +

fire department

fire brigade

firehouse

fire station +

fire truck

fire engine +

fire (verb)

sack

firecracker

banger

first floor

ground floor

fish sticks

fish fingers

fixing to (regional South)

intending to/about to

fixings (slang)

trimmings

flashlight

torch

flat (tire)

puncture

flatware

cutlery

flip-flop (colloq.)

backward somersault

floor lamp

standard lamp

flophouse

doss-house

flunk (slang)

fail

flutist

flautist +

flyover (aircraft)

fly-past

food stamps

coupons that can be exchanged for groceries (given to the needy)

football field

football pitch

193


US

UK

foul-up (noun)

cock-up

fourth

quarter +

frappe (regional New England)

milk shake

freeloader (colloq.)

sponger

freight elevator

goods lift

French doors

French windows +

French fries

chips

French twist (hairstyle)

French pleat

fries

chips

frogs' eggs

frog-spawn

frosting*

icing +

funky (of an odor)

stinky

furnace (central heating)

boiler

gander + (slang)

dekko

garage sale*

jumble sale/rummage sale

garbage

rubbish/kitchen waste

garbage can

dustbin

garbage day

dustbin day

garbage truck

dustcart

garbanzo bean

chickpea +

garters

suspenders

gas (flatulence)

wind

gasoline/gas

petrol

geek (hip slang)

dull, studious person

German shepherd

Alsatian

GI (thought to come from government issue)

an enlisted person in the US military forces, especially a soldier in the US army


194

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

gin (as in cotton gin)

a machine for separating cotton from its seeds (see gin UK)

ginger snap

ginger nut

Girl Scout

Girl Guide

girls' night out

hen party

given name

Christian name

glue factory (colloq.)

knacker's yard

goddamn (slang)

bloody/blinking

gofer/gopher

general dogsbody

golden raisins

sultanas

golfing knickers

plus-fours +

goof off (colloq.)

slack off

goose bumps +

goose-pimples/goose-flesh

gouge/price gouging

overprice

grab bag

lucky dip

grade school

primary school

graham crackers

digestive biscuits (similar)

grammar school

primary school

grandfather clause

exemption because of preexisting circumstances

grandstand (verb)

act in a showy way to sway an audience

grease monkey (slang)

car mechanic

great room

combined living and dining area

green (slang)

money

green card

US permanent-resident card (see green card UK)

green onion

spring onion

greenback (slang)

dollar bill

195


US

UK

greenskeeper

greenkeeper

gridiron (sporting term)

football field

grocery store

supermarket +

gross (slang)

disgusting

ground meat

minced meat

ground wire

earth wire

groundhog

woodchuck

grunt work (colloq.)

donkey-work

guardrail (on a road)

crash barrier

gubernatorial

pertaining to a state governor

guess {verb, as in I guess so)

suppose/imagine +

gulch

ravine with seasonal water flow

gurney

stretcher on wheels

half-and-half

single cream

half glasses

half-moon glasses

hard candy

boiled sweets

hardcover

hardback

hassock

pouffe (see hassock UK)

hayseed

hick

haze (verb)

bully/upset

headed for

heading for +

heater (gas/electric)

gas fire/electric fire

heel (on the end of a loaf)

crust

heinie (slang)

buttocks

heist (slang)

robbery

hickey

lovebite

high roller

big spender +


196

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

hike (at a slow pace)

ramble

hobo

tramp

hock

pawn +

hodgepodge

hotchpotch

hoedown

festive country dance

hogtied (slang)

restrained/thwarted

hokey

not credible/overly sentimental

holdover

relic +

holler

yell +

homebuilder

house builder

homely

plain/ugly (see homely UK)

homer (colloq.)

home run in baseball

homey (slang)

mate

hooch (colloq.)

cheap liquor

hood {colloq., for ruffian)

hoodlum/tearaway

hood (on a car)

bonnet

hoof-and-mouth disease

foot-and-mouth disease

Hoosier

someone from Indiana

hooters (vulgar slang)

women's breasts (see hooter UK)

hope chest

bottomdrawer

horse blinders

horse blinkers

horse trailer

horsebox

horseback riding

horse riding

hot flash

hot flush

hot-dogger (colloq.)

stunt performer

housebroken

house-trained

hunker (down)

crouch +

hutch

dresser (see dresser US)

197


US

UK

hyphenated last name

double-barrelled surname

ID

identification

industrial park

trading estate

installment plan

hire purchase

Internal Revenue Service (1RS)

Inland Revenue

jackhammer

pneumatic drill +

jackrabbit

any of several species of large hares

jag

unrestrained expression of emotion

jam (verb)

play improvised music (usually as part of a group)

jammies (colloq.)

jim-jams

janitor

caretaker

Java (slang)

coffee

Jell-O

jelly

jelly

jam +

jelly roll (the pastry)

Swiss roll

jemmy (verb)

jimmy +

jerk +

twerp/idiot +

jerky

dried strips of meat

joe (slang)

coffee

Joe Blow

Joe Bloggs

John* (slang)

loo

John Hancock (slang)

signature +

John boat

small, square-ended boat

josh (colloq.)

tease

J u g*

large vessel usually with a cap

jump rope (noun)

skipping rope

jump rope (verb)

skip


198

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

jumper

pinafore dress

jungle gym

climbing-frame

kerb store (regional)

corner shop

kerosene

paraffin

kibble

pelleted pet food

kibitz {colloq., from Yiddish)

give unsolicited advice

kitty-corner/catty-corner

diagonally across

Klondike bar (brand name)

choc-ice

klutz {colloq., from Yiddish)

clumsy person

knickers

knickerbockers

knock up (offensive slang)

make pregnant

kook (colloq.)

eccentric or crazy person

ladybug

ladybird

lanai (word of Hawaiian origin)

screened porch

landfill

amenity tip/dump +

landing gear

undercarriage

lap robe

rug* (light blanket)

last name +

surname

latex paint

emulsion paint

Laundromat

launderette

lavatory

basin/washroom

layover

stopover

La-Z-Boy (brand name)

recliner +

lazy Susan

dumb waiter*

lean-to

a shelter supported at one side by trees (see lean-to UK)

leash +

lead +

leery

wary + (see leery UK)

199


US

UK

legal holiday

bank holiday

liability insurance

third-party insurance

license plate

number-plate

life preserver

lifebuoy

life vest

life-jacket +

light bill (colloq.)

electricity bill

lightning bug

firefly +

lightning rod

lightning conductor

lima bean [ll-ma]

butter-bean

Limey (This slang term comes from the lime juice that was given to British sailors to prevent scurvy.)

a British person

line up

queue up

lineup (of suspects)

identity parade

Little Dipper (constellation)

Little Bear

liverwurst

liver sausage

loft

an open elevated area above the main level of a building (see lofi UK); such a space used as a private flat (apartment)

lonesome (implies melancholy)

lonely +

longshoreman

docker +

lumber

timber

luminary

candle set in a bag in sand, used at night to guide the way (regional)

lush (noun)

drunkard

Mace (brand name)

CS gas

mail drop

letter-box

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. 2OO

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

main drag (colloq.)

main thoroughfare

maitre d'

head waiter

make out (slang)*

snog/get off with someone

make over

do up

mall*

a large shopping center

man, dude (form of address)

mate

Marcite (brand name)

a compound used for surfacing swimming pools

marquee* (see marquee UK)

large, internally illuminated outdoor sign (such as seen outside cinemas)

mash {verb, Southern slang)

press

Masonite (brand name)

fibreboard

mat (around a picture)

mount

math

maths

maverick

unbranded calf/wild character

MC/master of ceremonies +

compère

mean

nasty (see mean UK)

measuring cup +

measuring jug

meat grinder

mincer

mechanical pencil

propelling pencil

medevac flight

mercy flight

median (on a road)

central reservation

Medicaid*

health-care program for indigents

Medicare*

federal health insurance program

merry-go-round (for children)

roundabout

midway

sideshow location at a fairground

milk can

milk churn

Milk-Bone (brand of dog biscuit)

Bonio 2OI

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

US

UK

misdemeanor

nonarrestable offense (similar)

mobile home

caravan

molasses

treacle

mom

mum

mom-and-pop (adj.)

family-owned

momentarily

in a moment (see momentarily UK)

monkey wrench (now obsolete)

adjustable spanner

motel

motor hotel, accessed by an exterior door

mother-in-law apartment

granny flat

mouth guard

gum-shield

movie theater

cinema +

MP

military police/redcap (see redcap US)

mudroom

vestibule used for removing soiled shoes/porch

mums (colloq.)

chrysanthemums

Murphy bed

foldaway bed

music box

musical box

muss up

mess up +

mutt (slang)

mongrel + (see mutt UK)

mutual fund

unit trust

Naugahyde (brand name of fabric)

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

nearsighted

short-sighted

neat (colloq.)

terrific

nerd

boring, studious person/square

nervy

cheeky/bold (see nervy UK)

New Year's

New Year's Eve


2O 2

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

newscaster

newsreader

newsstand

bookstall

night crawler (regional)

large worm

night school

evening classes

night stick

truncheon

nightgown

nightdress

nightstand/night table

bedside table

nipple (on a baby's bottle)

teat

nix (verb)

veto +

no-see-ums (regional)

biting midges

notarize

certify

nutcracker (at Christmas)

Russian sentinel doll

o.b.o. (or best offer)

o.n.o. (or near offer)

oarlock

rowlock [rol-lok]

oatmeal (cooked)

porridge

obstacle course (military)

assault course

one-way ticket

single ticket

open house (realtor's term)

house for sale that may be viewed

operator (alternative meaning)

devious/manipulative person

order of (in a restaurant)

portion of

ornery (colloq.)

difficult (person)

ottoman

footstool/pouffe

outhouse

outside toilet (see outhouse UK)

overseas +

abroad +

oxfords (shoes)

brogues

pacifier (for a baby)

dummy

pack rat

hoarder

package store

off-licence

203


US

UK

packinghouse

abattoir

paddle

spank +

paddle (table tennis)

bat

paddy wagon

Black Maria +

panhandler

beggar

panties

knickers

pantomime

show performed by a mime artist (see pantomime UK)

pants +

trousers +

pantyhose

tights

paper route

paper round

paraffin

paraffin wax +

paralegal

articled clerk (similar)

pardner (slang)

mate

pardon me

excuse me/pardon

parka +

anorak/windcheater

parking garage

multi-storey car park

parking lot

car park

part (in hair)

parting

pass-through

hatch

patsy

sucker +

pavement

road surface

Peace Corps

VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas)

peaked [pee-kid]

peaky

peg solitaire

solitaire

pen pal

pen-friend

penitentiary

prison +

period (punctuation)

full stop


2O4

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

permit (for construction)

planning permission

pesky (slang)

annoying

phonograph

gramophone (see phonograph UK)

physical therapist

physiotherapist +

piazza, (regional)

veranda/porch

picture ID

proof of identity and age with photograph

pigpen

pigsty +

pin (on lapel)

badge

pinkie

little finger

pinwheel (firework)

Catherine wheel

pissed (vulgar)

furious (see pissed UK)

pistol (colloq.)

lively person

pitcher

jug (see jug US)

Playbill (trademark)

theatre programme +

Play-Doh (brand name)

Plasticine (brand name)

player piano

Pianola (brand name)

plea bargain

an admission of guilt to a crime in exchange for a reduced sentence

Plexiglas (brand name)

Perspex (brand name)

plum pudding +

Christmas pudding

pocketbook*

financial resources/handbag

pole beans

stick beans

polliwog (regional)

tadpole +

pooch (colloq.)

lap-dog

pop/pa

dad +

Popsicle (brand name)

ice lolly

potholder

oven glove

potato chips

crisps

205


US

UK

pound/pound sign (the # symbol) hash pound cake

Madeira cake

preppy (colloq.)

a well-dressed preparatory school student (seen as typifying the upper and upper-middle classes)

principal

headmaster/headmistress +

prioritize (colloq.)

establish priorities

proctor

invigilator (see proctor UK)

produce [prô-doos]

greengroceries (fruit/vegetables)

professor

university lecturer or professor

(the) projects (slang)

council estate

property tax

council tax/rates

pry open

prise open

public housing project

council estate

public school

state school

public transportation

public transport

pudgy

podgy

pulp (in orange juice)

pith

pumped (slang)

excited

pumps (dress shoes for ladies)

court shoes

punkies (regional)

biting midges

purse

handbag

put out (vulgar slang)

make oneself sexually available to someone else; be sexually active

PX (Post Exchange)

NAAFI (Navy, Army, and Airforce Institutes)

Q-Tip (brand name)

cotton swab +

quiet down

quieten down

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. 2O6

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

quitting time

knocking-off time

Quonset hut (trademark)

Nissen hut (trademark)

quotation marks +

inverted commas

racetrack

racecourse +

rad (hip slang)

mad/brill

railroad

railway

railroad flat

a long, narrow flat

railroad (verb, colloq.)

to rush something in order to prevent objections or careful consideration

rain check

postponement ticket or invitation

raincoat +

mac/mackintosh

raise (in pay)

rise

raise (a child)

bring up +

ramada (regional Southwest)

shelter with wooden slats or thatched palms for a roof

rambunctious

rumbustious/rowdy/exuberant

range

cooker/stove

rap group

discussion group

rappel

abseil

rattle on (slang)

rabbit on/ramble on

ratty (slang)

tatty (see ratty UK)

razz (slang)

make fun of/rag

real-estate

property

realtor*/real-estate agent

estate agent

redcap

railway porter (see redcap UK)

redd up (colloq., regional Midwest)

tidy up

redneck* (colloq.)

oik/yobbo

207


US

UK

reform school +

Borstal

register (heating or cooling)

grille controlling air flow into a room

regular

normal/usual +

restroom

toilet/lavatory

resume

c.v./curriculum vitae

roast + (cut of meat)

joint

Rolodex (brand name)

index card holder

romaine lettuce

cos lettuce

rookie (colloq.)

novice

roomer

lodger

ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps)

CCF (Combined Cadet Force)

round-trip ticket

return ticket

route (delivery)

round

routing number

sort code

row house

terraced house

rubber (colloq.)

condom

rubber cement

cow gum

rubberneck (verb, slang)

gawk/turn and gaze (as at a traffic accident)

rubbing alcohol

isopropyl alcohol

ruckus

rumpus +

rug (slang)

hairpiece/toupee

rugrats (derogatory slang)

children

rumble (colloq.)

gang fight

run (in stockings)

ladder

runway (for modeling clothes)

catwalk


2O8

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

rutabaga [roo-ta-bâ-gs]

swede

S&H (shipping and handling)

P&P (postage and packing)

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)


sailplane

glider +

salesperson

shop assistant

salesroom

saleroom

sandbox

sandpit

sanitary napkin

sanitary towel

Santa Claus +

Father Christmas

sappy

soppy

Saran Wrap (brand name)

cling film (plastic food wrap)

sassy (colloq.)

cheeky

scallion

spring onion

scalper

tout

scarf down

scoff down +

schedule (bus or train)

timetable +

schlep (regional slang)

slog/trudge/lug

schnoz (slang)

nose (especially a large one)

school (colloq.)

school, college, or university

schoolyard

school playground

scofflaw

a person who disregards the law

Scotch tape (brand name)

Sellotape (brand name)

scratch paper

scribbling block

secretary desk

bureau

seeds/pits (in fruit)

pips/stones

self-rising flour

self-raising flour

semester

half of an academic year

209


US

UK

server (in a restaurant)

waiter +

shade/window shade

blind

shades (hip slang)

sunglasses

shanty

shed/cabin

sharecropper

tenant farmer who gives a portion of each crop to the landowner in lieu of rent

sheers/sheer curtains

net curtains

Sheetrock (brand name)

plasterboard +

sherbet

sorbet [sor-bay] +

sheriff

chief of police outside city limits (see sheriff UK)

shill

someone who poses as a gambler or satisfied customer in order to encourage the participation or business of others

shin guard

shin-pad

shingle*

asphalt or wooden tile/small sign (see shingle UK)

shinny up

shin up +

shoeshine

the act of polishing shoes

Shoot!

Darn it!

shop (colloq.)

workshop/garage

short-order cook

cook in a basic restaurant

shower (bridal, baby)

women's gift-giving party prior to a big event

shrimp +

prawns +

shtick

comedian's or other entertainer's routine

shuck (oysters)

prise open

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. 2IO

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

shut-in

housebound person

shyster

unethical or unprofessional person (often a lawyer)

side (order)

side dish

sidewalk

pavement (see pavement US)

siding (on a building)

cladding

silent partner

sleeping partner

silverware

cutlery

skeeter {slang, regional South)

mozzie (slang)

ski mask

Balaclava

skillet

small frying pan

Skilsaw (brand name)

circular saw +

skinny-dipping

swimming nude

skivvies {plural)

underwear

skosh (slang) [skôsh]

a small amount

skycap

airport porter

slam-dunk (noun)

easy victory

slam-dunk (verb, slang)

force through

slash (/) +

stroke/oblique

slate

set down for nomination/schedule an event (see slate UK)

sled

toboggan

slew

a lot of

slicker

raincoat/mac

slim down

slim

slingshot

catapult +

slot machine

fruit machine (see slot machine UK)

smarts (colloq.)

intelligence

smoking gun

proof positive

211


US

UK

smudge pot

outdoor paraffin heater, used to protect plants from freezing weather

snake oil (colloq.)

quack remedy

snaps (fasteners)

press-studs

snap (noun, colloq.)

cinch +

sneakers

trainers

snippy

curt +/ratty (see ratty US)

snow peas +

mange-tout [mahnzh-too]

snowbird (informal)

a winter vacationer in the south

soccer ball

football

Social (colloq.)

Social Security Number

Social Security

old age pension/retirement pension (see social security UK)

sod +

turf+

soda (soft drink)

fizzy drink/pop +/soft drink +

soda cracker

water biscuit

soda fountain

snack bar in a general store

solicitor

canvasser

solitaire (card game)

patience (see solitaire UK)

some {colloq., used at the end of a sentence)

a little

someplace

somewhere +

sow bug

woodlouse

soybeans

soya beans

Spackle (brand name)

Polyfilla (brand name)


fish slice/slice

specialty

speciality

Speedo (brand name)

brief swimming trunks for men


212

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

spelunker (cave explorer)

potholer

spiffy

natty

spigot

outdoor tap/stopcock

spit up (of a baby)

vomit

split (verb, slang)

get moving/scarper

spook (verb, colloq.)

scare

spool of thread

reel of cotton

sport coat

sports jacket

square knot

reef-knot

squirrelly (slang)

eccentric/capricious

squirt gun

water pistol +

stall (in a restroom)

cubicle

stand-off

deadlock +

Stateside

in the US

STD (sexually transmitted disease)

VD/venereal disease + (see STD UK)

steamer trunk

trunk +

stick candy

rock/seaside rock

stiff (verb, slang)

fail to tip someone

stir-crazy (slang)

restless from confinement

stogy/stogie

a long, thin, inexpensive cigar

stoked (slang)

worked up

stool (alternative meaning)

toilet

stoop

porch +

store

shop or department store

storefront

retail outlet/shop window

storm window

secondary glazing (similar)

stove +

cooker

213


US

UK

straight pin

pin

straightaway (on a course)

straight

streetcar

tram

string beans

runner beans

stroke (colloq.)

compliment

stroller

pushchair/pram/perambulator

studly (hip slang)

handsome/macho

Styrofoam (brand name)

polystyrene/expanded polystyrene

subdivision

housing estate

substitute teacher

supply teacher

subway (train)

underground

sucker (candy on a stick)

lollipop +

surgery

operation + (see surgery UK)

suspenders

braces

swale

marshy depression

swan dive

swallow dive

swap meet (mostly used in the West)

sale of old cars and machinery at an outdoor venue/flea market

sweater set

twin set +

swimsuit +

bathing costume

swing shift

evening shift +

switchblade

flick-knife

table (verb)

put a bill or motion aside for discussion at a later time (see table UK)

tacky (colloq.)

tatty/tasteless +

taffy

small pieces of seaside rock

tag

label +


214

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

tag (regional)

number plate/registration sticker

tag office (regional)

vehicle licence office +

tag sale

rummage sale

tailgate sale

boot sale

takeout (food)

take-away

talk show

chat show

tank (regional Texas)

pond

Tarheel

someone from North Carolina

tarp

tarpaulin +

tattletale (noun, adj.)

tell-tale

teakettle

kettle +

teamster

lorry driver

teardown (an old building)

knock-down

teeter-totter

seesaw +

telephone pole

telegraph pole

teller

cashier (in a bank or post office)

temblor

earthquake +

temple

synagogue +

thread

cotton +

thrift shop

charity shop

through (as in "Monday through Wednesday")

up to and including

throw (light blanket)

rug*

thumbtack

drawing-pin

thunderboomer (colloq.)

thunderstorm

tick off

annoy (see tick off UK)

tic-tac-toe

noughts and crosses

tidbit

titbit

215

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

US

UK

tightwad

stingy person

(to have a) tin ear

(to be) tone-deaf+

tire wrench

tyre lever

titled (used of a book)

entitled +

toilet bag

sponge bag

toll free

Freephone/Freefone

top off

top up

totaled (vehicle)

a write-off

toward +

towards +

track in (dirt)

tread in

trackless trolley

trolley bus +

trade

swap +

traffic circle

roundabout

trailer park

caravan site

training wheels

stabilizers (on a child's bike)

tram

parking lot conveyance (see tram UK)

tramp +

slut/down-and-out

transfer

ticket permitting a bus or train passenger to change to another vehicle to complete their journey

trapezium

trapezoid

trapezoid

trapezium

trash

rubbish

trash {verb)

destroy +

trash can

litter bin

trolley

tram/bus resembling a cable car

truck farmer

market gardener

trunk (on a car)

boot


2l6

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

tube (electronic)

valve

tuckered out

knackered/fagged

tuck-point (to add mortar to brickwork)

point

turkey (colloq.)

an inept person/something that fails or does not meet expectations

turn signal (on a car)

indicator

turnkey (house or apartment/flat)

fully equipped

turnpike

toll-road +

turtleneck

polo-neck

tuxedo

dinner jacket

twister (colloq.)

tornado (see twister UK)

two-family

a property divided into two residences

Uncle Sam

the US government

undershirt

vest

up (sporting term)

apiece +

upchuck (slang)

vomit

upcoming

forthcoming

upscale

upmarket

usher (in a church)

sidesman

utility bills

electricity/gas/water bills

VCR

video (player)

vacation

holiday

vacationer

holiday-maker

valance

pelmet (see valance UK)

vamoose (slang)

rush off

vanilla (hip slang)

ordinary

217


US

UK

vanity

dressing-table +

vaudeville

music hall

veg out [vej] (hip slang)

loll about

vest

waistcoat

vet*

war veteran/veterinary surgeon

Vienna sausage

small frankfurter

villa (regional East)

house within a condominium*

vine

creeper

visit with* (colloq.)

chat with/visit

Visquene (brand name)

heavy-duty plastic sheeting

volunteer work

voluntary work

vo-tech

technical institute

walk-up (noun)

above ground flat with no lift

wall-to-wall carpet

fitted carpet

want ad

newspaper classified advert

washcloth

flannel

wash the dishes

do the washing up

wash up

wash yourself (see wash up UK)

washroom (regional North)

public toilet

WASP

White Anglo-Saxon Protestant (often used disparagingly)

wastebasket

waste-paper basket

water cooler

cold-water dispenser

wax paper

greaseproof paper

wedding band

wedding ring +

Weed Whacker (brand name)

Strimmer (brand name)

welfare

social security (see Social Security US)

whipping cream

double cream

For a guide to pronunciation symbols and other signs, see page vi. 2l8

US-UK LEXICON

US

UK

whippoorwill

a variety of nightjar

whistle-stop

small town on a railway line

whitecaps (on water)

white horses

wiener [wee-ner]

frankfurter +

wind-up (of a toy)

clockwork

windbreaker

windcheater

Windex (brand name)

Windowlene (brand name)

windshield (on a car)

windscreen

Wite-Out (brand name)

Tippex (brand name)

witness stand

witness box

wood alcohol

methanol +

wuss [wûs]

wet or ineffectual person

Yankee

someone who lives north of the Mason-Dixon line, seen as the traditional boundary between the North and South of the US

yard*

garden (see yard UK)

yardman

gardener

yard work

gardening

yellow jacket

paper-wasp +

Zamboni (brand name)

ice-cleaning machine (on a rink)

zero +

nil/nought

zilch

nothing

zip (slang)

nothing

Zip Code

postcode

zipper

zip

zit

pimple

zucchini [zoo-kee-nee]

courgette [cor-zhet]

219

^ 17 ^ Explanations Airing cupboard In the UK most houses have the hot-water storage tank in a small closet with shelves mounted above it. The shelves are made of wooden slats to allow the air to circulate. This keeps linens warm and dry. This is called the airing cupboard. Appraise In the US a house is appraised by an appraiser. In the UK it is valuedhy a valuer. Conversely, job performance is usually evaluatedin the US rather than appraised as it is in Britain. Bikini The word bikini in the US can mean a man's brief swimsuit or a woman's two-piece swimsuit. In the UK it is only used in referring to a woman's two-piece swimsuit. Billion This word can have two different meanings in the UK. One meaning is a million million: 1,000,000,000,000 or io 12 . The other meaning is the same as the meaning found in the US, a thousand million: 1,000,000,000 or io 9 . A thousand million has traditionally been called a milliard in Britain. To prevent confusion, in 1972 the British government began using the term billion to indicate 1,000,000,000 in its financial statistics. The older sense of billion seems to be going out of use in the UK, and the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) also now uses billion in the sense familiar to Americans. 220

EXPLANATIONS

Blowout A blowout has several meanings in the US. It can mean a tire suddenly losing air. It can also mean a big party. A blowout sale means a big sale with great price reductions. Bollard A common word in British English, bollard can either mean a traffic diverter or a short upright metal post to secure a ship at a wharf. This word is only known in the US by nautical folk, for the latter meaning. It is unfamiliar to the average American. Broil/Grill In the US broiling implies cooking something directly under the flame, while grilling implies cooking something over the flame. The term grill in the US may also mean frying something on a large, solid metal plate called a grill. In British English the word grill covers both the American words broil and grill. Broasted is an American word describing food that has been cooked in a highpressure fryer made by the Broaster Company. Bungalow In British English the word bungalow refers to any one-story house. A bungalow in the US indicates a small, modest one-story house, often made of wood and often prefabricated. Sears, Roebuck and Co. sold a mail-order bungalow kit known as a Craftsman bungalow between the years 1900 and 1930. These bungalows had built-in cupboards and bookcases. Café The word café in American English can mean "nightclub" as well as "coffee shop." Call If an American says "They're calling for rain," he means the forecast indicates that rain is likely. If a thermostat is set high enough for the heat to come on, the thermostat is said to be calling for heat. Can In the UK one bottles fruit, often in a Kilner jar. In the US one cans fruit, often in a Mason jar. Cheers This is sometimes used as a toast before taking a drink in the US. In the UK, however, cheers is often used as a friendly, informal way of saying thanks. The American Thanks, buddy might be translated as Cheers, mate. Britons also frequently end informal e-mails with Cheers before their signature or initial. 221

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

Chemist In the UK chemist can refer to a laboratory chemist, a pharmacist, or the pharmacy itself. Cider In the UK cider is an alcoholic beverage. In the US cider is usually unfermented apple juice but hard cider is alcoholic. Condominium/Condo (From the Latin words com- "with" and dominium "domain.") In the US, this common word indicates a complex of individually owned houses or apartments whose owners belong to a legal association for the proper and continued maintenance of all commonly owned property on which their residences are located. The term refers either to the entire complex or to a single unit in the complex. Owners often time-share or lease their condos to others. Cool Americans use cool in a variety of ways. It can mean "modern, liberal, up-to-date" {She's cool, That's cool) or "acceptable, not a threat, in-the-know" {He's cool), or it can be an exclamation of approval, appreciation, or delight {Cool!). Cornfield A cornfield in the US is a field of maize. A cornfield in the UK, however, is a field of wheat or oats. Maize is not grown on a large scale in the UK. Crack If an American asks you to crack a window, he wants you to open it slightly. Crazy The British term crazy paving is as perplexing to most Americans as the term crazy quilt is to most Britons. In both cases the term crazy means patchwork. Cross ventilation In the us, a room is said to have good cross ventilation if it has windows at opposite ends, permitting a good movement of air through the room. Disassemble In the US disassemble and dismantle are often used interchangeably regarding something tangible, such as a tent. However, one dismantles a regime or a social service. In the UK only the verb dismantle, never disassemble, is used. 222

EXPLANATIONS

Drapes Drapes and draperies are both used for "curtains" in the US. Draperies is considered the preferred word by some people, but drapes is still the more common word. The term window treatments covers all the material at a window. Curtains in the US usually do not draw. Drugstore/Pharmacy While these terms are often used interchangeably in the US, there is a distinction to be made. A pharmacy is a section in a large department store, while a drugstore is a separate or privately owned shop. Dumbwaiter/Dumb waiter In both countries, a dumbwaiter {dumb waiter in the UK) is a device for transporting food between floors. However, in Britain, dumb waiter can also mean a revolving food holder at a dining table. This object is known as a lazy Susan in the US. Duplex The word duplex (also known as a two-family) refers to two semi-detached single houses on one lot. The houses are often separated in the middle by two garages. Duplexes are often rental properties. In some areas a duplex may be two rental properties, one above the other. Guy If used in the plural this word can refer to men and women in the US. Hire/Rent The terms hire and rent are often used interchangeably in Britain. However, in the US hire refers to people, while rent usually refers to things, such as a videotape or car. Lease implies a longterm legal obligation in the renting of items. The term lethas pretty much fallen from popular use in the US. Normally the term rent out is used instead of the term let, although rent alone is often used. The distinctions in meaning are easily understood in context. Holiday A holiday or legal holiday in the US is usually what the British call a bank holiday. The expression the holidays in the US generally refers to the period between Thanksgiving, which occurs at the end of November, and New Year's Day. Vacation is the usual equivalent of the British word holiday. 223

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

Hospital In Britain, if one is admitted, one goes to hospital. If one is visiting a patient, one goes to the hospital. In the us, there is no distinction. It is always the hospital. Similarly, Americans say "The child is in the hospital," rather than "The child is in hospital," when the child is receiving treatment there. Icing and Frosting These words are often used interchangeably in the US, although more accurately icing refers to a smooth topping and frosting to a whipped or creamy topping. Frosting is not used in Britain. John The word John, in the US, has several meanings. Trie John means the toilet (originally a term used for an outdoor toilet for men, the women's being the Jane). A John also means a hooker's (prostitute's) client {punter in British English). A dear John letter is a letter requesting a divorce or the end of a relationship. Jug A jug in British English would be known as a pitcher in American English. A jug in the US is a large vessel with a handle and a narrow neck, usually with a stopper. Knock up The phrase knock up can be used in a variety of ways in British English. One can knock up a person, meaning wake them up. One can knock up at tennis (warm up). One can knock up a meal in a hurry, and one can even knock oneself up (knock oneself out). The only meaning of knock up in American English is a vulgar slang expression meaning to make a woman pregnant. Luminary In both countries, the word luminary can mean a leader in a scientific field or artistic profession. In the US, especially in the South, this word is also used to mean a candle set inside a paper bag for illuminating a path at night. These candles are also called luminarias, which is a Spanish word. Mail In general, the word mail may be substituted in the us for the British term post. However, there are some exceptions, such as postmark, post office, and the postal service. Mains Water and electricity are shut off at the main in the US, but at the mains in Britain. The term mains pressure (for water) 224

EXPLANATIONS

might just be called the water pressure or simply the pressure in the US, as in "The water pressure on the upper floors was low." The relative terminology reflects differences between the us and the UK in the hot and cold water systems usually found in houses. The expression run off the mains (for electricity) has no good equivalent in the US. Mall, Plaza In the US a plaza [plahza] is a shopping center with a collection of individual shops and stores sharing parking facilities. A mall [mawl] is a collection of individual shops and stores constructed under one roof with a common indoor, air-conditioned, or heated promenade. It is usually much larger than a plaza, and contains a mixture of large department stores and smaller shops and restaurants. Marquee The word marquee probably originated in a false attempt at making a singular word from marquise around 1680. Marquee was originally used for a shelter for a marquis or marquise. The word came to mean a large outdoor tent in British English, and an awning projecting over an entrance in American English. Younger Americans tend to use the word mostly to describe an illuminated sign either over a theatre or by the road. Medicare/Medicaid Medicare is a US government program of medical insurance for people age 65 or older and some people under age 65 who are sick or disabled. Medicaid is a federal and state program for people with low incomes. Pocketbook This word is mostly used by older Americans to mean a handbag, also called a purse in the US. To younger Americans the term is usually applied to financial resources, as in "That white sports car is too much for my pocketbook." Porch A porch in England is a small sheltered area outside a building. It is similar to a mudroom in the US. An American porch can be a much larger, often elevated area at the front or back of the house where one can sit. This would be called a verandah in Britain. 225


Precinct The word precinct is used in very specific but different ways. A pedestrian precinct in British English is a shopping district in a town or city where vehicles are not permitted. In the US precinct refers to a district within the jurisdiction of a fire or police department. Realtor The word Realtor is trademarked, although it often appears lowercase. It refers to a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. It is commonly used by Americans to refer to any real estate agent. Redneck This slang term, which can be quite offensive, refers to an intractable, crude person with set ideas and opinions. It may also connote a lack of education or intelligence, but not necessarily. The word itself was originally a deprecatory term for white laborers in the South who had sunburned necks from bending over in the fields. Rug In the UK the word rug can be used to describe a light blanket used to cover oneself, or to sit on at a picnic. This is known in the US as a throw. A large carpet may be referred to as a rug in the US. In American English, a rugis also a slang term for a hairpiece. Sale In the US, the word sale is used in many ways: blowout sale closeout sale garage sale tag sale trunk sale yard sale

clearance sale closing-down sale sale of used household items held outdoors or in a garage same as the British jumble sale sale of last season's merchandise in a clothing store same as a garage sale

Shingle A shingle in the US is either an asphalt or wooden tile or a small sign outside a business—quite different from the British meaning of beach pebbles. 226

EXPLANATIONS

Tap A tap in the house is known as a faucet in the US. An outdoor tap or a stopcock is called a spigot. However, water from the faucet is called tap water. Teeth The Brits clean their teeth, whereas the Americans brush their teeth. Teeth cleaning in the us is done at the dentist's office. Toboggan A toboggan in the US is a specific kind of sled without runners and with a front that curves up. Sled is the US term for the British word toboggan. Vet The word vet in the US can either mean a veterinarian or a war veteran. In Britain it is an abbreviation for veterinary surgeon. Visit with In the US, this can either mean "visit" in the British sense (to go and socialize with), or it can be used in place of to chat with. It is a rather informal expression. Warden In British English, the term warden refers to the governor of a hospital, college, or YMCA. A prison governor is called a warden in American English. Whistle stop A whistle stop is a small town along a railway line in the US. It can also mean a short appearance by a performing group or a politician in such a town. Yard The word yard in the US refers to the area around a house and roughly equates to the British word garden. The word garden in the US is used in reference to a cultivated area such as a rose garden or a vegetable garden, in contrast to other areas around the house where only grass, landscaping bushes, and trees grow. A yard in British English is a paved area.

227

^ 18 ^ Other Varieties of English British English is spoken in many countries as a second language, although South Americans usually learn American English. Here are some terms that are only found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

CANADA English and French are the two official languages of Canada. The English spoken in Canada strongly resembles American English, although the spelling conforms in large part to British English. Words such as car park, cutlery, holiday (a vacation in the us), jelly, porridge, serviette, tick (a check mark in the us), till, and top up are a reminder of Canada's links to Britain. Canadians often use the British pronunciations when it comes to words such as apricot, process, project, and produce.

228

OTHER VARIETIES OF ENGLISH

Canadian Terms CANADIAN TERM

MEANING

ABM (Automatic Bank Machine is occasionally seen as well as ATM)

ATM/cash machine

blue box

recycling bin

boxliner (in the bed of a pick-up) bedliner broadloom

wall-to-wall carpet

canopy (over the bed of a pick-up)

topper

chesterfield

sofa or couch (used mostly by older Canadians)

chip wagon (regional)

van at the side of the road from which snacks are sold

CPP (Canadian Pension Plan)

Social Security (US)/OAP (UK)

fire hall

fire station

Garburator (brand name)

kitchen waste disposer

gunny sack

burlap bag (US)/hessian bag (UK)

had the biscuit (as in "He's had the biscuit.")

had it (as in "He's had it. He's finished.")

hydro

electricity (often generated from hydroelectric plants)

Inuit

Eskimo (The term Inuit is preferred to Eskimo by many groups of indigenous Arctic peoples.)

Joe Lunchpail

the average man, Joe Sixpack

landed immigrant

a foreigner who is a legal resident of Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen

laneway

alleyway

mail person

mail carrier

229


CANADIAN TERM

MEANING

Mountie

a member of the RCMP (similar to a federal law enforcement officer in the US)

on pogey (slang)

unemployed

parkade

multilevel parking structure

provincial

pertaining to a Canadian province or to the provinces (This is the main meaning in Canada, rather than "countrified" or "parochial.")

RCMP

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

riding

constituency/electoral district

RRSP

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (similar to an IRA in the US)

SIN

Social Insurance Number (similar to a Social Security Number in US)

washroom

restroom/lavatory

wicket

counter or window

AUSTRALIA Australian English closely resembles British English in the written form, although some of the slang terms that are commonplace in everyday speech in Australia can sound quite strange to a Briton. Some accents resemble British speech, whereas broader accents are typified by the oi sound for the long /'as in fine [foin]. Where other varieties of English have the long a vowel [à], broader Australian accents may have a sound like long / [ï]. The broad Australian pronunciation of word hate may thus sound like the word height to Americans and Britons. From a Britons point of view, regional accents in Australia are not very great despite the large size of the country—although regional variation does exist, such as in the names for the different sizes of beer glasses. Australians love their 230


beer, which is generally served in jugs (pitchers in the us), and beer glasses have interesting names. A schooner is usually 15 ounces, a butcher is 7 ounces, and a pony is 5 ounces.

Australian Terms AUSTRALIAN TERM

MEANING

Aussie [ozzy]

an Australian (noun)/Australian (adj.)

bag

criticize

barrack for (verb)

cheer for (a team)

Beauty!

Terrific!

Besser Block (brand name)

cinderblock

big smoke, the

a large city

bludger

someone who lives off others

blue

mistake/fight

bluey

summons (to a court)

bonzer

terrific

bower-bird

pack rat/hoarder

brumby

wild horse

bullbar (on a car)

grille guard (US)

bung it on

put on airs

bunyip

mythical people-eating monster

bushwacker

unrefined country person

chaulkie

schoolteacher

chook [chûk]

chicken

cobber (old-fashioned)

pal

cocky

farmer

cossie [coz-zy]

bathing suit

crook

sick dull person 231


AUSTRALIAN TERM

MEANING

dobber

informant

docket

sales slip

domain

park

dunny

outhouse/outside toilet

ear-bash (verb)

harangue

Esky (brand name)

cooler/ice chest

fair dinkum (adj.)

genuine

Fair dinkum!

You don't say!

freezing works

slaughterhouse

first up

firstly

G'day!

Hi!

Good as gold!

Doing fine!

hard yakka

hard work

home and hosed

safely completed

home unit

condominium

Hooray! (regional)

Goodbye!

hotel (colloq.)

bar

jackaroo/jilaroo (female)

novice on a sheep or cattle station

larrikin

hooligan

lash

bash/try

metal road

dirt road

ocker/okker

unrefined Australian man

over the fence

unreasonable

paddock

field

pawpaw

papaya +

poker machines/pokies

slot machines (US)/fruit machines (UK)

pom/pommie

someone from Britain

port (regional Queensland)

suitcase

232


AUSTRALIAN TERM

MEANING

postie (colloq.)

postman

prime mover

truck cab and engine (on a cab and trailer vehicle)

retrenched

laid off from work

sand-shoes

tennis shoes

screw (colloq.)

prison guard

sealed road

paved road

She's righti/She'll be right!

It's all right!

sheila (slang)

girl

smoko

coffee break

squiz (noun)

peek

station

ranch/large farm

stickybeak

nosy person

strides

trousers

Strine (from 'Stralian)

uncultivated Australian speech

stubbie

beer bottle (small)

this arvo

this afternoon

tinnie

beer can

tip-truck

tipper truck

truckie

trucker

tucker

food

ute/utility truck

pick-up

verandah (additional meaning)

solid awning over the front of retail outlets

Wait on!

Hang on (a minute)!

weekender

weekend cottage

wharfie

stevedore/docker

(the) wog

prevailing cold virus

233


AUSTRALIAN TERM

MEANING

Woop Woop

the middle of nowhere

yabbies

tiny crayfish


NEW

ZEALAND

New Zealand English is also very similar to British English in the written form. New Zealanders think they speak in a more refined manner than Australians, but the average foreigner would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Rising inflection is also common there. A short i (as in lift) often has a distinctive schwa-like sound. The short e often sounds like a long e, hence set and seat can sound similar to someone not from New Zealand.

New Zealand Terms NEW ZEALAND TERM

MEANING

batch

weekend cottage

blue

mistake

(the) Bot

prevailing cold virus

butchery

butchers shop

cattle-stop

cattle-grid (UK)/cattle guard (US)

Chilly Bin (brand name)

cooler/ice chest

chook [chûk]

chicken

dairy

convenience store

dobber

informant

docket

sales slip

domain

park

emergency (in a team sport)

substitute/alternate

Fred Dagg

unrefined New Zealander


234


NEW ZEALAND TERM

MEANING

haka

Maori ceremonial dance

Jandals (brand name)

flip-flops

kiwi [kee-wee]

flightless New Zealand bird/ a person from New Zealand

paddock

field

pakeha [pah-kay-hah]

white (non-Maori) person (The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.)

pavlova [pav-loh-va]

a meringue cake filled with fruit, cream, and ice cream

section

plot of land

sheila

girl

smoko

coffee break

strides

trousers

SOUTH AFRICA Written South African English is also similar to British English. Spoken South African English has a vague resemblance to New Zealand English with the short e sounding almost like a long e. Here are a few interesting words that are unique to this country.

South African Terms SOUTH AFRICAN TERM

MEANING

bakkie [buk-ky]

pick-up truck

bioscope (old-fashioned)

cinema

boetie

brother/buddy

bottle store

liquor store

braai [bry] (noun, verb)

barbecue


235


SOUTH AFRICAN TERM

MEANING

Catch me a brew!

Give me a beer!

china (see Cockney Rhyming Slang, page 238).

friend/acquaintance

donder [donn-er]

wallop

donga [don-ga]

hole in the ground

drift

ford/causeway

It's tickets!

It's curtains!

just now

in a short while

larney

posh

lekker

tasty/good

middle line

strip in the center of the road

naartjie [nah-chee]

tangerine

okie/outjie [o-kie]

buddy

ous [ohz] (plural)

folks

packet

bag

robot

traffic light

rondavel [ron-dah-vgl]

a traditional African dwelling consisting of a circular hut with a thatched roof (This style is now used as accommodation at game reserves and many holiday resorts.)

Shame!

Too bad!/A pity!

spanspeck/sponspek

cantaloupe

takkies

canvas shoes

veld [felt]

open grassland

veldskoen [felt-skoon]

soft leather shoe that comes up over the ankle

236

^ 1 9 &• Cockney Rhyming Slang Since the sixteenth century Cockney rhyming slang has been heard in the East End of London. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it allowed workers to hold a private conversation within their ranks without the bosses knowing what they were talking about. The person speaking uses a rhyming word or expression like a code to replace the word he or she really means to say. For example, whistle and flute is used to stand for suit. When it is shortened to whistle, it becomes even more obscure, because the rhyming word is not there from which to guess the meaning. In the beginning Cockney rhyming slang was mainly used by seamen and itinerant laborers, but it is now used by many blue-collar Londoners. It not only includes an extensive number of expressions but is constantly changing like many other aspects of language. Below is a representative sample. Cockney Rhyming Slang RHYMING SLANG EXPRESSION

MEANING

apples and pears

stairs

April showers

flowers

Auntie Ella

umbrella

bacon and eggs

legs 237

DIVIDED BY A COMMON

LANGUAGE

RHYMING SLANG EXPRESSION

MEANING

Baden Powell

towel

Barnet (Barnet fair)

hair

bird (bird lime)

time (in prison)

boat (boat race)

face

bread (bread and honey)

money

bread and butter

gutter

bucket and pail

jail

bull and cow

row (an argument)

butchers-hook

look

canoes

shoes

china (china plate)

mate

daft and barmy

army

daisy roots

boots

dicky bird

word

dig in the grave

shave

dog and bone

phone

donkeys ears

years

dustbin lids

kids

fine and dandy

brandy

frog and toad

road

ginger beer

queer (odd)

gold watch

scotch

half inch

pinch (to steal)

Hampstead Heath

teeth

hit and miss

kiss

Holy Ghost

toast

horse and carriage

marriage

jam jar

238

COCKNEY RHYMING SLANG

RHYMING SLANG EXPRESSION

MEANING

loaf (loaf of bread)

head

marbles (marbles and conkers)

bonkers (See conkers in UK-US lexicon.)

Mother Hubbard

cupboard

near and far

bar

north and south

mouth

old bag

hag

on the floor

poor

Peckham Rye

tie

pen (pen and ink)

stink

Persian rugs

drugs

pillar and post

ghost

pitch and toss

boss

plates of meat

feet

pork pies

lies

rabbit (rabbit and pork)

talk {pork rhymes with talk in UK)

read and write

fight

rub-a-dub-dub

pub

sausage and mash

cash

sky rocket

pocket

tea leaf

thief

ten-speed gears

ears

titfer (tit for tat)

hat

Toby jug

mug (fool)

tod (Tod Sloane)

alone (on one's tod)

toe rag

slag (prostitute)/fag (cigarette)

two and eight

in a state

239

Afterword Many people who speak British English feel that American English is taking over as a form of global communication, and they may be right. The Internet is dominated by American websites that naturally promote American English. The Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries comprise a huge number of speakers of different varieties of English, and in many ways people living in these countries feel somewhat threatened by American English. Many consider American English to be rather sloppy, and they are concerned that American spelling may dominate and somehow contaminate their language. Americans often accept these attitudes uncritically and consider British English to be the proper or real English. But the differences between American English and the other varieties do not result from sloppiness. Since the United States gained independence from Britain much earlier than most other former colonies, American English has had longer to develop separately from British English than other varieties. In more recent times, the immigration and trade ties among Britain, India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have been stronger than those between Britain and America, even though America is geographically closer to the British Isles. Noah Webster also helped shape the spelling differences between British and American English through his American Dictionary of the English Language, which became the main reference source for many US school teachers and newspaper editors back in the 1800s. Spelling reform has taken place in Britain too, most noticeably with the preference for the -ise suffix in words such as apologize and realize. Although new words from American English (many of them slang) creep into British English subtly but surely each year, I cannot foresee a day anytime soon when an Englishman will use the term check mark instead of a tick on his to-do list or call a period a full stop when dictating notes. In some ways British English is even gaining ground. In India, for example, many 240

AFTERWORD

recently coined British terms have been adopted, like LGV as the word for a large truck. I have a hunch that British English will be around for many years to come. Even though the relationship between American English and other varieties of English in the world is often depicted as a fight to the finish between us and them (or between us and the us!), in all fairness I cannot say that one version of English is superior to the other. From America to South Africa to Australia, Englishspeaking people around the globe can learn to understand each other quite well with a little effort and help from books like this one. In this sense, the United Kingdom and its former colonies, including the United States, remain united by a common language.

241

Index Readers who wish to find a specific word or phrase in British or American English should first consult the three large lexicons in Chapters 12, 15 and 16. If the expression cannot be found in these lexicons, readers can use this index to find words and phrases discussed elsewhere in the book.

abbreviations, 131—133 accent(s), 49, 73, 76, 77 accident, 60, 68 address, forms of, 49 adobe, 6 advertisement, 77 aeroplane, 8 agile, 77 aging/ageing (spelling of). 85 air conditioning, 50 airing cupboard, 220 airports, terms for, 8 à la mode, 24 albino, 77 alcoholic drinks, terms for, 30-31 alley, 51 all tied up, 51 aluminum/aluminium, 76, 85, 91 amber light, 57 amenity, 77 American Dictionary of the English Language, 2, 84, 240 American English automobiles and, 10-11 compared to British, 1-7 development of, 1-7, 240 foreign influences on, 4—7 idioms/expressions, 114—125, 127-130 modern influences on, 240-241 sports, 50-51 terms to avoid in UK, 103-107 American Speller, Noah Webster's, 2 Amtrak, 70-71 anchovy, 77 anorak, 39 antique car, 64, 69 apparatus, 77 apple brown Betty, 25 appraise, 220 apricot, 33, 228 area rug, 95 A roads, 54 articled clerk, 135 articulated lorries, 57, 59, 60, 67 ate, 77,136 attorney, 103, 135 aubergine, 35 Auntie Ella, 237 Aussie, 231

Australian pine, 100 automobile terms, 8,10-12, 50, 60-70, 135 autumn, 3 back up 63, 64 bag (Australian term), 231 Baxer-acted, 97 bakkie, 235 Balaclava, 39 ballpark, 50 bangers and mash, 29 bang out of someone, get a, 104 bank holidays, 52, 223 banking terms, 20—21 barman, 30, 232 barnet/barnet fair, 238 barrel along, 64 barrier ward, in, 98 barrister, 135 bars, 30-31, 239 baseball, 50, 125-126 basil, 33

beat (American expression), 101 Beaulieu (UK), 7 been, 77 beer, 30-31, 230-231, 236 beets/beetroot, 34 belt along, 64 Bernard (name), 83 bespoke, 38 Besser Block, 231 best foot forward, put one's, 125 bias-ply tires, 64 Bicester (UK), 7 Bigfoot (Sasquatch), 50 big smoke, the 231 bikini, 220 billboard, 62, 64 billion, 104, 220 Birmingham (UK), 7 biscuit, 34, 35, 229 bitter, 30 blackened food, 25 black pudding, 29 black spot, 60 blanket bath, 99 block, 56 blowout, 221 bob, 22 boetie, 235 bogie, 72 boiler suit, 38 bollard, 60, 221 bomb/bombs, 46,104

243

bone wrench, 97 bonnet, 60, 66 bonzer, 231 boot(s), 60, 68, 238 boot (wheel immobilizer), 64, 97 bot, the, 234 bottom gear, 66 bowling, bowl (a googly), 51 box spanner, 97 braces, 39, 94, 103 brackets, 94 branch sort code, 21 brassiere, 78 break, 40 break in (engine), 64 bridge-roll, 36 brights/bright lights, 64 brilliant, 101 British Broadcasting Company (BBC), 220 British English compared to American, 1-7 idioms/expressions, 108-114, 126-127 modern influences on, 240-241 place names, pronunciations, 7 terms to avoid in US, 101-103,104-107 British Telecom (BT), 12 broad beans, 35 broadloom, 229 broasted, 25, 221 brogues, 39 Bronx (NY), 5 Brooklyn (NY), 5 brown sugar, 34 brumby, 231 bubble and squeak, 29 buck, 23 bucket shop, 104 Buck's Fizz, 31 buffers, 71 bugger, 103 building society, 20 bullbar, 60, 64, 66, 231 bumbag, 103 bum/bummer, 6 bumf, 4 bummer, 103 bum steer, 103 bungalow, 221 bung it on, 231 bunk off, to, 42


bureau, 95, 96,104 busy Lizzie, 100 butter bean, 36 Byzantine, 46, 78 caboose, 1, 5, 71 Cajuns, 5 call diversion/call forwarding, 14 caller display/caller ID, 13 calling cards, 13, 14 camp bed, 95 camper van, 60, 64 candyfloss, 35, 99 capillary, 78 caramel, 78 car park, 61, 67, 228 carriage, 71 carrycot, 95 carry on, 101 cars. See automobile terms cash machine, 21, 229 castor sugar, 35 casuarina, 100 Cats-eyes, 61, 67 cattle guard/grid/stop, 64, 234 central reservation, 55, 56, 61, 66 certificates of deposit (CDs), 21 charge card, 12,14 charge nurse, 98 check, 25, 85 checkerboard/chequer-board, 85 check mark, 94, 228, 240 cheerio, 35 cheers, 49,101, 221 chemist, 222 cheques, 20, 85 chesterfield, 229 chest of drawers, 95, 96,104, 105 chickpea, 35 chicory, 35 chimpanzee, 78 chipolata, 37 chippings, 61 chips, 24, 35 chip wagon, 229 chiropodist, 98 Christmas pudding, 36 cider, 31, 222 cigarette, 101,105, 239 cilantro, 35 cinema, 235 circle, 47 circular saw, 97 circulating nurse, 98 cistern, 15 clean teeth, 227 clerk, 78 cloche, 46 clothing, terms for, 38-39 club sandwich, 26 club soda, 32 clue in/clue up, 92 coach, 61, 71 cobbler, 26 Cockney rhyming slang, 237-239

cocktail wiener, 35 coleslaw, 5 college, 43 communicating door, 9 communication cord, 71 comprehensive school, 40 condominium/condo, 222, 232 conductor, 71 confectioners' sugar, 35 connecting door, 9 constituency, 45 conversations, 48—49 conversion van, 60, 64 cookie, 5, 35 cooking measurements, 34 cool, 101, 222 coping saw, 97 cordial, 31, 78,105 coriander, 35 corn, 35 corned beef, 26, 29, 35 cornfield, 222 corn flour/corn starch, 35 cos lettuce, 36 cot, 9, 95, 96,105 cotton, to, 125 couch, 95, 229 counterfoil, 21 coupe/coupé, 61, 64 courgette, 37 court shoes, 39 cranky, 105 crash barrier, 61, 66 cravat, 38 crazy paving, 222 cream, 35, 36 credenza, 96 crew neck, 38 crib, 9, 95, 96 cricket, 51 crisps, 24, 36 crockery, 105 crosspatch, 1 cross-ply tires, 64 crosswalk, 63, 64 cruet, 105 crumpet, 29 crush bar, 47 crutch, 91 cuckoo, 78 cufrs, 38 Cumberland Road, 60 curb (on a street), 86 curly brackets, 94 currency, 21-23,131—132. current account, 21 curtains, it's, 236 customs, differences in, 48-53 cutlery, 25, 105, 228 cut off/cut up (a driver), 61, 64, 92 cut up, 105 czar, 86 dates, form of, 134 davenport, 96,105 deadhead, 65,100,105

244

dear, 101 decimal points, 93-94 deductible, 61, 65 demerara sugar, 34 demister, 65 deposit account, 21 depot, 71, 79 Derby/derby, 7, 38 derv (diesel-engined road vehicle), 61 dessert spoon, 25, 34 dial code, 12 dialect, 73 dialing/dialling, 86 dial tone/dialling tone, 14, 93 diamante, 38 digestive biscuit, 35 dime, 23 dimmer switch, 65 dining car/diner, 71 dinner jacket, 39 dipped headlights, 61, 66 dip switch, 65 directory assistance/inquiries, 14 dirt road, 63, 65, 232 district community nurse, 99 diversion, 61, 65 doctor's office/surgery, 98 doggy bag, 25 dog leg (in road), 61, 66 dollar ($) sign, 131-132 domestic mail, 20 doodad/doodah, 91 do over/do up, 92 dormitory, 43,105 double dutch/double declutch, 65 double cream, 36 drapes/draperies, 96, 223 draught, 86 dressage, 79 dresser, 96,105 drink driving, 61, 65 drip, 98 drunk in charge, 61 dry goods, 105 dual carriageway, 55, 61, 65, 67 dud, 66 DUI/DWI (driving under the influence/while intoxicated), 61, 65 dummy, 98 dump truck, 65 dustbin lids, 238 duvet, 9 dynasty, 46, 79 early closing, 32 earth pin, 17 Ecdes cake, 29 egg flip/eggnog, 35 eggplant, 35 EKG/ECG, 98 electricity, 16-17 emergency brake, 11, 62, 65 endive, 35 engaged signal, 14 engine driver/engineer, 71

INDEX

English, varieties of, 228-236, 240. See also American English; British English English muffin, 26 en-suite, 9 entrée, 24 entrepreneur, 79 eraser, 102 estate agent, 101, 226 estate car, 61, 68 etiquette, differences in, 48-53 examinations, 40, 42 excess (on insurance), 61, 65 exclamation point/mark, 94 ex-directory number, 14 express mail, 19 extra large (XL) clothing, 33 fabrics, home furnishings and, 95-96 fag/fagged out, 101, 105, 239 faggot, 102 fall(season), 3 fanny/fanny pack, 103 farthing, 21, 22 faucets, 9, 15, 227 fava bean, 35 fedora, 38 fifteen up/fifteen apiece, 51 fillet, 33 filter, 55 firstfloor,8 first gear, 66 fishfinger/stick,35 fit, to, 77 fiver, 21 fixture, 51 flag displays, 53 flannel, 9 flapper, 15, 16 flatware, 25 flex, 4 flyover, 61 foldaway bed/fold-up bed, 9, 96 food and drink, 23-31, 33-37, fool, 29 football, 51 footpath, 67 footstool, 96 forecourt (at a filling station), 61 forms, 40 four-lane highway/four-lane, 65 franked mail, 19 Fred Dagg, 234 Freefone/Freephone, 12 French fries, 35 fresher, 43 fretsaw, 97 Friday-afternoon car, 66 fries, 24, 35 frog and toad, 238 front desk, 9 full-size bed, 9 full stop, 94, 240

gallery, 47 gammon, 35 gaol, 87 garbanzo bean, 35 garden, 105, 227 gardening terms, 100 garters, 38 gas/gasoline, 11-12, 58, 62, 65 gateau, 29 gate (#) symbol, 133 gearbox, 68 gear lever, 61, 65 gearshift, 11, 61, 65 get, to, 3, 77 ginger nut/ginger snap, 35 give way, 61, 68 glandular fever, 98 go ahead, 101 golden raisin, 37 golden syrup, 36 gondola car, 71 goods train/wagon, 71 gooseberry, 79 got/gotten, 3 gound floor, 8 grade crossing, 3, 71 grammar school, 40, 41 Grand Old Party (GOP), 45 grant-maintained school, 40 greasefitting/greasenipple, 65 green arrow, 61 greenback, 22 green card, 105 greengage, 35 green onion, 35 Greenwich (UK), 7 greetings, 48 gridiron, 51 grits, 26 grocery store/shopping, 32. grounded/ground pin, 16, 17 guard's van, 71 guinea, 21, 22 gunny sack, 229 guy, 223 gymkhana, 1 haberdashery, 33 had the biscuit, 229 hairpin curve/turn/bend, 66 half-and-half, 24, 36 half board, 9 halfpenny, 22 hall of residence, 43 halt, 72 handbag, 225 hand brake, 61, 65 hard cider, 31, 222 hash browns, 27 hash (#) symbol, 13 hassock, 96,105 hatch, 96 headed for/heading for, 93 headlights, 61, 66 headmaster, 40 head waiter, 25 heat, in/on, 92

245

heavy cream, 36 heel (of bread loaf), 36 herb, 33 hessian bag, 229 HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle), 57» 62, 67 highball, 31 high gear, 66 high interest account, 21 high street, 56 highway code, 65 highways, 54 hire(s), 8, 223 hitch, 66 hoarding/hoarder, 62, 64, 231 hold for ransom/hold to ransom, 92 holiday(s), 52-53, 223, 228 home fries, 27 homely, 102, 105 homey, 102 hood (on a car) 60, 66 hooligan, 232 hose, 38 hospitals, 44, 224 hotel(s), 8-9, 232 hours and minutes, writing, 134 houseman, 98 Huguenot, 46 hydro, 229 ice lolly, 36 icing/icing sugar, 35, 224 identification, forms of, 20, 57 I'm stuffed//'m full, 103 in back of, 3 Inc., 133 indicator, 62 infectious mononucleosis, 98 infield, 50 inland mail, 18 inseam/inside leg, 38 inside lane, 58, 62, 66, 67 internist, 98 interstates, 54, 55, 57-59, 62, 66 interval, 46—47 inverted commas, 94 invigilator, 43 jab, 98 jacket potatoes, 24 jelly/jelly roll, 36, 228 jingle, give me a, 102 Jockey shorts, 39 Joe Lunchpail, 229 joint, 36 juggernaut, 62 jumper, 38,106 jump leads/jumper cable, 62, 66 junior lecturer, 43 juniors, 42 junior school, 40 keep-left rule, 59-60 keep your pecker up, 102

D I V I D E D BY A COMMON

kerb, 86 kibitz, to, 6 kick out of someone, get a, 104 kindergarten, 40, 41 kippers, 29, 37 klutz, 6 knickers/knickerbockers, 38, 39, 103,106 knocked for six, 51 knocked myself out/up, 102 knock up/knock-up, 51,102, 106, 224

laneway, 229 lasso, 5, 80, 135 lavatory, 67, 80, 230 lawyer, 103,135 lay-by, 62, 67, 68 layover, 71 lay the table, 102 lease, 223 lecturers, 43 leery, 106 legal holidays, 52, 223 Leicester (UK), 7 lemon curd/lemon cheese, 29 let, to, 223 letter carrier, 18, 19 letter jacket, 42 levee, 5 level crossing, 3, 71 LGV (Large Goods Vehicle), 57, 62, 67, 241 lieutenant, 80 lignocaine, 98 liver sausage/liverwurst, 36 locum/locum tenems, 98 lodge, 9 loft, 106 lollipop, 37 loo, 135 loose ends, at, 125 lorry, 57, 62, 68. See also articulated lorries lounge suit, 38 lower second degree, 41 lox, 27 Ltd., 133 lug nut, 66

mac/mackintosh, 39 Madeira cake, 36 mail, 224 mail carrier/mailman/mail person, 19, 229 mailshot, 1 main beams, 64, 66 main course, 28 mains, 15,17, 224 mains pressure, 224 malls, 32-33, 225 mange-tout, 37 Manhattan (cocktail), 31 manual transmission, 62, 68 market, 32

LANGUAGE

Marmite, 29, 37 marquee, 106, 224 marquee player, 51 marrow, 36 mascot, 66 Maurice, 83 mean, 106 measure, units of, 34 median/median strip, 56, 61, 63, 66 medical terms, 97-99,131 Member of Parliament (MP), 45 mess up/muss up, 91 middle line, 236 milliard, 220 milometer, 67 minced meat, 35 minutes and hours, writing, 134 misunderstandings, avoiding, 101-107 momentarily, 106 mom/mum, 88, 91 money order, 19 MOT (Ministry of Transport) certificate, 68 motor coach/motor home, 61, 66 motorways, 54, 57, 62, 65, 66 mow, to, 77 mudflap/mudguard, 62, 65, 66 mudroom, 225 muffler, 66 multi-storey car park, 62, 67 Murphy bed, 96 mutt, 106 mutual funds, 21 myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), 98 naartjie, 236 names automobile, 69-70 personal, 83, 136 place, 5-7 usage of, 224 napkin, 25 nappy, 98 National Pike, 60 naught, 88 nearside lane, 62, 67 neat (of liquor), 31 nervy, 106 net curtains, 96 new pence, 21 niche, 81 nickel, 23 nightdress, 39 nix, to, 6 no naked lights, 102 non-rhotic dialects, 73-74 noodle/noddle (the head), 91 Norwich (UK), 7 no standing/stopping, 67 nota bene (NB), 136 no through road, 67 notions, 33 nought, 88

246

number-plate, 62, 66, 68 number (#) sign, 133 oats, feel one's, 125 office, runs/stands for, 45 offside lane, 62, 66 off the peg/off-the-rack, 39 OK, 135 one-way ticket, 71 on/off ramps, 55, 63 open flames, no, 102 operating room/theatre, 98 orbital roads, 58 ordinary shares, 21 oregano, 33 ottoman, 96 outhouse, 106, 232 outjie, 236 outside lane, 58, 62, 66, 67 outsize clothing, 33 overpass, 61 overrider, 64 overtaking, 56, 62 oxfords, 39 pacifier, 98 panel beater, 64 pantechnicon, 62 pantomime, 106 pants/panties, 39,103 pantsuit, 39 pantyhose, 39 paracetamol, 97 parenthesis, 94 parking brake, 62, 65 parking enforcement officer, 63 parking garage/ramp, 62, 67 parking fights, 63, 67 parking lot, 61, 67 parkway, 67 passenger car, 71 pass/passing, 56, 62 pass-through, 96 pasta, 34 pavement, 62, 67,106 pavlova, 235 pawpaw, 232 peanut gallery, the, 47 pease pudding, 29 pecan, 81 pedestrian crossings, 54, 62, 63,64 pedestrian precincts, 226 peers/peerage, 45 pelican crossings, 54, 62 pelmet, 96 pence/penny, 21, 22, 23 people carrier, 66 pepper (baseball term), 126 period (punctuation), 94, 240 personal names, pronunciations of, 83 petrol, 11-12, 58, 62, 65 pharmacy, 223 phone card/phone code, 12 pickle/pickled gherkin, 36

pigs in a blanket, 24, 27 pikelet, 29 pinafore dress, 38,106 ping/pink (engine sound), 67 pipe wrench, 97 pip/stone, 36 pissed, 106 place names, pronunciations, 5-7 platelayer, 72 platform, 72 plaza, 225 plead, to, 77 please turn over (PTO), 136 pledge of allegiance, 41 plimsolls, 38 ploughman's lunch, 29 plumbing,i5-i6 plum pudding, 36 plunk/plonk (down), 91 plurality, 45 plus-fours, 38 PMS/PMT (premenstrual syndrome/tension), 98 points, 71 polarized plugs, 16 pole bean, 36 police, 58-59, 67 police car, 64 polo-neck, 39 pom/pommie, 232 pop socks, 38 porch, 225 pork pie(s), 29, 239 porridge, 36, 228 porter, airport, 8 posh, 236 postal order/post code, 19 postal service, 18-20, 225 potato chips, 36 pot plant, 102 potty about, 102 pouffe, 96 pound/pound sterling (£), 21-22,132 pound (#) symbol, 4,13,133 power outages, 17 prang, 62 prawns, 37 precinct, 226 premature, 81 premier, 81 prenatal, 98 preparatory/prep school, 40 prepositions, 92 presently, 3 press-studs, 39 priority mail, 19 proctor, 43, 106 produce, 32, 81, 228 professor, 43 prom, 42 prop shaft, 65 pruners/pruning shears, 100 pub, 239 public holidays, 52-53 public limited company (pic), 133

public schools, 40 pudding, 24, 28 punctuation, usage of, 93—94 puncture, 62, 65 punter, 224 purse, 225 pylons, 17 Q-Tip, 98 quarter, 23,132 quarter light, 68 queer (odd), 238 quid, 22 quotation marks, 94 r, pronunciation of, 73—74, 76 railway sleepers, 71 ramps, 55, 62, 63 rank (taxi), 8 rasher, 37 rate, 9 ratty, 106 Rawlplug, 97 read (a subject), 43 real ale, 30 realtor, 101, 226 rear-ended, 67 recorded delivery, 19 redcap, 106 red light, 63, 67 reflectors (on the road), 61, 6j registrar, 98 registration sticker, 68 removal van, 62, 66 Renaissance, 46, 81 Renee (the name), 83 rent/rent out, 223 repeaters, 10 restaurant car, 71 restroom, 67,103, 230 return receipt requested, 19, 20 return ticket, 71 reverse, 63, 64 rhotic dialects, 73—74 right-hand drive, 59, 60 ring me up, 102 rissole, 30, 36 RN, 98 road construction, 63 road(s), 54-7°, 232, 233, 236, 238 rocker cover, 68 rough (call in tennis), 51 rounders, 125 roundtrip ticket, 71 route, 19, 81 routing number, 21 row, 238 Royal Mail, 18 rubber, 102 rubber boots, 39 rug, 95, 226 rugby football (rugger), 51 rumble seat, 67 run in, 64 runner bean, 37

247

Sacagawea dollar, 23 sago pudding, 30 sales slip, 232, 234 sales tax, 32 Salisbury steak, 27 saloon, 67 salt beef, 35 salt cellar/salt shaker, 25 sandwich cake, 36 sausage and mash, 239 savings and loan (S&L), 20 savings certificates, 21 scallion, 35 schedule, 82 school buses, 41, 56 Scotch egg, 30 sealed road, 233 secateurs, 100 second class, 71 second floor, 8 secretary desk, 96,104 sectioned, 97 sedan, 67 self-raising/self-rising flour, 36 seltzer water, 32 semi-skimmed milk, 34 semolina, 35 senior lecturer/reader, 43 seniors, 42 service area, 63 services, 58, 63 serviette, 25, 228 sets, 40 settee, 95 shagging flies, 104,126 shandy, 31 shingle, 107, 226 shone (past tense), 82 shopping cart/trolley, 32 shoulder, 63 shunt, 71 shunting yard, 71 sick, 97,134, 231 sideboard, 95, 96 sidelights, 63, 67 side median, 67 side mirror/side-view mirror, < 67 sidewalk, 62, 67 signal box, 71 signs, 54-55, 57-58,135 silencer, 66 silent partner, 103 single bed, 9 single cream, 35 single ticket, 71 sister (nurse), 98 sizing, of clothes, 33 skirting board, 95 skive off, 42 skivvies, 107 skycap, 8 slag, 239 slate, 107 sleeping partner, 103 sleeping policemen, 63 slip roads, 55, 58, 63

D I V I D E D BY A COMMON

slow lane, 58, 67 smooth (call in tennis), 51 snifter, 107 snooker/snookered, 82,107,125 snow peas, 37 Social Insurance Number (SIN), 230 soda water, 32, 37 sofa, 96,105, 229 solicitor, 103,135 solitaire, 107 sophomores, 42 spanner, 97 spark-plug wires/leads, 68 spelling/spelling reform, 84-94,134, 240 sports terms, 50-51,125-126 spotted dick, 30 spring onion, 35 square brackets, 94 square (#) symbol, 13,133 squash, 37 stalls, 47 standard lamp, 96 standard transmission, 62, 68 stands for office, 45 Stanley knife, 97 starter, 28 state schools, 40 STD (subscriber trunk dialing) code, 12 steak and kidney pudding, 30 stick bean, 36 stick shift, 62, 68 sticky wicket, 51 stockings, 38 stop lights, 63, 68 stopover, 71 straight away, 3 stroke (punctuation), 94 stuffed, I'm, 103 sultana, 37 summer pudding, 30 summons, 231 sump, 67 surgery, 99 Susan B. Anthony dollar, 22-23 swede, 36 sweet corn, 35 sweet/sweet roll, 28 swiss roll, 36 switchback, 99 t, pronunciation of, 75 table, 107 table, lay the, 102 tailback, 55, 63 tailboard, 63, 68 takeaway/takeout food, 25 tanner, 22 tariff, 9 tarmac, 63, 64,135

LANGUAGE

tarpaulin, 82 taxes and taxation, 31, 32 taxis, 8 tea high, 28 hot, 24 tennis terms, 51 test match, 50 Thames (river), 7 thanks, 101, 221 theatre sister, 98 theatre/theater, 46-47, 89, 90 theatre whites/garb, 98 third degree, 41 third floor, 8 third-party insurance, 63, 66 tick mark, 94, 228, 240 tick off, 107,125 tick-tack-toe (#) sign, 133 tights, 39 till, 32, 228 tinkle, give me a, 102 tipper truck/tip-truck, 65, 233 tips and tipping, 24, 50 toad in the hole, 30 toboggan, 227 tod, on one's, 239 toffee apple, 34, 99 toilet, 67, 232 toll-free numbers, 13 Toll House cookie, 37 toll road, 3 top balcony, 47 top gear, 66 top up/top off, 92,102, 228 toss, 51 tourism terms, 8—9 tow-bar, 66, 68 traffic island, 63 traffic warden, 63 trainers, 39 tramlines, 51 transaction record book, 21 transport café, 63 treacle, 36 trial attorney, 135 trilby, 38 trolley, 8 trousers, 39,103, 233, 235 trouser suit, 39 tucker, 233 tuck shop, 40 turning radius/circle 68 turn-ups, 38 turtle-neck, 38, 39 twin set, 39 twister, 107 U-bend, 15 unit trust, 21 unmade road, 63, 65 upfield, 51

248

upper circle, 47 upper second degree, 41 valance, 96, 107 valet, 65 van in, 51 VAT (value added tax), 31, 32 Vegemite, 37 vehicle inspection certificate, t verge, 63, 67 vest, 39,103,107 veteran car, 69 vice-chancellor, 43 video, 4,107 virus, cold, 233, 234 visiting nurse, 99 vowels, pronunciation of, 75 waistcoat, 39,103 wait on/wait at, 92, 233 walker/walking frame, 99 warden, 227 ward sister, 98 Warwick (UK), 7 wash up, 103,104,107 water biscuit, 37 Webster, Noah, 2, 84, 240 Wellingtons, 39 went like a bomb, 46 wheel clamp, 64, 97 wheel nut, 66 wheel spat, 65 whipping cream, 36 white-lining the road, 68 wicket, 51, 230 widget, 135 windscreen/windshield, 3, 63, wing/wing mirror, 63, 67 wog, the, 233 wont, 83 woolly, 39 Woop Woop, 234 Xeriscaping, 100 yabbies, 234 yard, 107, 227 yellow light, 57 Y-fronts, 39 yield, 61, 68 Yorkshire pudding, 30 z (letter name), 83 zebra crossing, 63, 64 Zimmer frame, 99 Zip Code (Zoning Improvement Plan), 19—20 zucchini, 36, 37

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